ST. MARYS, Ga. -- Police said a 4-year-old girl reported missing Monday morning was safe at her day care center when her mother reported that the girl had disappeared from in front of their St. Marys mobile home.

Police officers and canine teams spent three hours combing an area about 1 mile from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay before learning the girl was never missing.

The girl's mother told police she last saw her playing outside about 11 a.m.

Police stopped cars leaving the area, canvassed homes in the area and searched a wooded area nearby.

About 1:30 p.m., police announced that the child was safe and the mother had made up the story.

"Her mom brought her in, and she has been here all day," said Karen Edwards, a teacher at the day care. "I am a little surprised (she was reported missing)."

So were police, who now have another investigation to see why the mother would tell them what she did.

"All I know is that the mother took the child to school and the mother called us for help," St. Marys Police Chief Tim Hatch said.

Police said they are still investigating and they have not filed charges against the girl's mother, but they might in the future.

"This investigation isn't just going to shut down and go away," Hatch said. "There are obvious things we are going to look into."

Police said the girl is now with her family and mother.