A grizzly bear remains at large after attacking a school group in Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada, on Thursday, leaving 11 people injured, including children and teachers, with two in critical condition. The remote community is on high alert as armed officers search for the animal, which emerged from a forested area during a walking trail outing.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon around 1:46 p.m. local time when the grizzly bear charged at a group of fourth and fifth graders and their teachers from Acwsalcta School. The school group had stopped along a trail near the river in Bella Coola, a small community approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, prompting an immediate emergency response with two ambulances and a community paramedic dispatched to the scene.
Eleven individuals were injured in the attack, with two suffering critical injuries and two more seriously hurt. Seven others were treated at the scene by paramedics, and four patients were transported to the hospital. Due to the remote location, some victims had to be airlifted from a nearby airport to the closest medical facility, and as of Friday, four people remained hospitalized under care.
Teachers demonstrated bravery by physically intervening to protect the students, using bear spray and a bear banger—a device that emits loud noises to deter bears—to drive the animal away. One male teacher reportedly bore the brunt of the attack, while some children were inadvertently hit with bear spray during the defensive efforts. A parent mentioned that her 10-year-old son felt the bear’s fur brush against him as it ran past but was not directly attacked.
Acwsalcta School, operated by the Indigenous Nuxalk Nation, has been temporarily closed in response to the trauma, and counseling services are being offered to students, staff, and families. The Nuxalk Nation expressed deep gratitude for the safety of most students and the efforts of the school team during this difficult time, highlighting the close-knit nature of the community.
Authorities, including the British Columbia Conservation Office Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, are armed and actively searching for the bear, which has not been found. Residents have been warned to remain indoors and avoid trails, especially in the Four Mile subdivision where the bear was last seen. Preliminary information suggests the bear may have been previously injured, potentially explaining its aggressive behavior.
British Columbia Premier David Eby praised the teachers for their heroism, stating that their willingness to confront the vicious animal likely prevented more severe outcomes. He extended condolences to the victims and their families, wishing them a full and speedy recovery. The incident underscores the challenges of wildlife coexistence in regions like British Columbia, which is home to an estimated 15,000 grizzly bears. Ongoing efforts focus on locating the bear to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents.
