Wagga residents are beginning to see unusual guests peering out of windows across the city as they step outside for fresh air.
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The latest movement to lift spirits amid the COVID-19 pandemic is a 'bear hunt', seeing people place toy bears in their window sills for people to spot on their walks around the neighbourhood.
Wagga mum Rebecca Hitchcock said the idea, which is based on the children's book of the same name, came as a relief with having young children at home.
"My 3-year-old son loves the bear hunt book so when I read about people putting bears in their front windows I jumped at the chance for my family to get involved," she said.
"Being cooped up in the house with two young children, I'm always looking at new ways to keep everyone entertained, so having an outdoor activity where we can maintain a safe distance from others and be close to home is a great idea."
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The Gobbagombalin resident said the bear hunt was a "very welcome distraction" from the growing concern around coronavirus.
"It's a wonderful way to stay connected with our local community and to get some fresh air and exercise despite what's going on at the moment," she said.
Boorooma resident Louise Jackson has also jumped on board the initiative, placing two toys in her windows.
"It is a difficult time for a lot of people and something like this adds a little cheer to the world, particularly for children," she said.
"I've got Spongebob Squarepants in one window to bring some colour back and then a little blue bear tucked away around the corner."
Mrs Jacobson and her husband are in isolation, but said she didn't need to leave the house to see the positive impact it was having.
"You can just look out your window, see the little ones walking past or driving past and smiling," she said.
"It doesn't hurt anyone and if it brings a smile to even one person's face, that's a positive thing."