LUDLOW, Mass. — An unwelcome marcher was set to join Ludlow’s Memorial Day parade.

Police were working Monday to contain a bear spotted wandering along the route of the parade less than 90 minutes before it was set to begin.

Sgt. David Belanger said the bear, which weighs about 200 pounds, was spotted wandering at 7:40 a.m. The parade was set to step off at 9 a.m.

Belanger said police are prepared to do whatever is needed to keep parade participants and spectators safe.

He says environmental police were headed to the scene and may try to tranquilize the bear and remove it to a remote area.