Two Critically Injured as Bear Remains at Large in Remote British Columbia Community
A grizzly bear attacked a group of elementary school students and teachers on a walking trail in Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada, injuring 11 individuals, including two critically.
The incident occurred Thursday afternoon near Highway 20 in the Bella Coola Valley, part of the Nuxalk Nation territory, about 260 miles northwest of Vancouver.
Among those severely injured was a male teacher who bore the brunt of the bear’s attack, while students and other adults attempted to fend off the animal.
Emergency Health Services confirmed two people were in critical condition, two more sustained serious injuries, and others were treated at the scene.
Veronica Schooner shared that her 10-year-old son Alvarez was among the students on the trail and described how close he came to the bear, saying he “even felt its fur” as the bear charged past him targeting another person.
The local First Nation community and police advised residents to remain indoors and avoid the highway and trails while armed officers searched for the bear.
The Acwsalcta School, operated by the Nuxalk Nation, announced it would be closed the following day to provide counseling and support to the affected students and staff.
Conservation officers and police remain on alert as the “aggressive bear” remains at large, with ongoing efforts to secure the safety of the community.
