The bear was spotted near the Rose Bowl at about 3 p.m. Police blocked streets off, as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to the scene.
The bear was then seen going yard to yard in the area of Woodbury Road and Arroyo Boulevard, according to police.
Students at John Muir High School were held in classes because of the bear, but they have since been dismissed.
The bear was seen scampering near Linda Vista Avenue and the Brookside Golf Course.
At about 7 p.m. the Department of Fish and Wildlife said the bear had a safe route back into the Angeles National Forest, and that wardens were backing off for the night.
