COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Eastern Ohio districts that canceled classes when dozens of tigers, bears and other exotics animals were loose may have to make up an extra school day because the unusual circumstances aren't covered under the state's definition of an excused "calamity day."

Three districts in Muskingum County canceled classes Oct. 19 as a safety precaution because they weren't sure whether the creatures released by their suicidal owner were still prowling the area. Authorities killed the animals.

A spokesman for the Ohio Department of Education tells The Columbus Dispatch ( http://bit.ly/IXDy2f ) the state is searching for a way to let the affected schools claim the missed day as one that they don't have to make up.

The state allows schools five so-called calamity days for circumstances such as hazardous weather or disease epidemics.