US schools put on lockdown after wild predator is spotted outside building: 'Safety is our priority'

US schools put on lockdown after wild predator is spotted outside building: 'Safety is our priority'

A typical school day in Gig Harbor, Washington, took a wild turn in September when a cougar was spotted near two local schools, according to the News Tribune.  Although no one was harmed, students and staff at Kopachuck Middle School and Voyager Elementary were kept indoors as a precaution. Wildlife officials said these sightings are rare but not surprising.  Cougars are native to the area and usually avoid people. As humans build more homes and…