Teddy bears, lions, pandas and other stuffed animals have started appearing in the windows of Belmont Shore and Wrigley neighborhood homes just waiting to be discovered by kids and their families.
Inspired by the 1989 children’s book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen, the neighborhood scavenger hunts are a safe, socially distanced, outdoor activity for kids home from schools closed due to coronavirus.
“You gotta get out a little bit,” said Leslie Serge, who placed a bear-shaped flower pot in her window. “Kids get to be cooped up and it’s nice to give them something to do. I appreciate all the moms having to deal with having to have them all home right now.”
Several of the residents who had bears in their windows said they found out about the hunt through an East Long Beach Facebook group, others found out from their neighbors. Leslie Salrin said she saw her neighbor’s panda across the street, and followed suit with a teddy bear she’s had in the family for 31 years; her kids are grown now.
“We have a lot of little kids here, so it’s just fun,” Salrin said.
