A bear cub was spotted outside of Lakefield Elementary School in Quispamsis on Monday. (Lakefield Elementary School)

Students at Lakefield Elementary School in Quispamsis had to be kept inside on Monday after a bear cub was spotted in the area.

A parent on her way into the parking lot saw the animal stand up, then run into the woods.

Department of Natural Resource officers have been following the cub for more than a week. The officers believe the cub was likely pushed away by its mother.

Mike O’Neill, the elementary school’s principal, said students should be back outside on Tuesday.

"If we see it again, we'll bring them in. And the teachers are all aware to keep their eyes on the edge of the treelines as well,” he said.

“But I think with all the noise coming from the kids, I don't think the bear is going to come near us."

It is believed the bear was wandering around the area because it was garbage day near the school on Monday and it may have been looking for food.

O'Neill said DNR officers will try to trap the bear if it's seen again.

The school principal said the bear cub sighting caused a stir inside the school.

"Of course, they wanted to go see the bear cub, and follow the bear cub. So there was a lot of excitement,” O’Neill said.

“And when they were leaving the school, of course, there was excitement in the bus lineup talking about the bear. So they'll have good conversations at the supper table for sure."

This is the latest incident of wildlife coming close to a New Brunswick school.

In May, a black bear was spotted near a St. Stephen school.

In that situation, students at St. Stephen Elementary School were also kept indoors.

DNR said that bear was believed to be about two years old.