Colorado Springs neighbors place stuffed animals in windows for kids to spot amid coronavirus closures

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Several stuffed animals are popping up in windows around Colorado Springs for children to spot while they are out of school due to COVID-19.

Residents are placing the teddy bears on their window sills so families can find and count them when walking outside doing "bear hunts."

Michah Sutton says she spotted a couple of bears during her morning run.

“I think anything that brings people happiness and brings kids joy and keeps a positive attitude right now is a good thing," Sutton said.

“I think anything that brings people happiness and brings kids joy and keeps a positive attitude right now is a good thing absolutely.”

Mike Gallagher says his wife placed a teddy bear on their window sill a couple days ago.

"She read about it on the internet and thought it would be something nice to do to help keep the kids’ spirits up a little bit and bring a little joy to the neighborhood," he said.

It's part of an international trend that seems to be inspired by a 1989 children's book called "We're Going on a Bear Hunt," written by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.

Jessica Kowalchuk has placed several stuff animals and inspirational quotes for the neighborhood to see through her windows. She says she's hoping more people will join.

“You don’t have to get outside, you don’t have to risk yourself," Kowalchuk said. "All you’ve got to do is put some bears and maybe some positive inspirational quotes and that’s it.”