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LAPLACE —Teddy bears (and other beloved stuffed animals) have been popping up in windows in the River Parishes and across the nation, offering families a fun-filled way to get out the house while still abiding by social distancing guidelines.

Joining the great bear hunt is simple, and all are invited to participate. Simply place a teddy bear or another stuffed animal so that they are visible in windows, porches, mailboxes or other creative locations around the front of the house.

Parents and guardians can take their little ones on an exciting “bear hunting” car ride to spot the stuffed animals. The community wide scavenger hunt presents a way to bring people together from a safe distance apart.

So far, bear hunt displays have been spotted on River Oaks Drive, Madewood, Greenwood, Bienville Street, Oak Tree Drive, Somerset (River Forest), Walnut Street, Highland Drive, Sugar Ridge and more locations across St. John the Baptist Parish.

Rachel Peppo of LaPlace said the bear hunt was fun and relaxing for her family.

“My children also enjoyed finding their own stuffed animals to place in their bedroom windows for other kids to find,” Peppo said. “It was a great joy to see my children smile and search for more bears with excitement in such an uncommon lifestyle for us now.”

Daren the DARE Lion is participating in the “bear” hunt with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. Families may spot him patrolling the streets of St. John from the windshield of a police unit.

Sheriff Mike Tregre reminded residents that, as part of the Stay at Home order, Governor John Bel Edwards encourages citizens to take a walk, bike ride or car ride around their neighborhood, as long as they practice social distancing.