A peaceful school outing in remote Bella Coola turned into chaos on Thursday when a grizzly bear suddenly attacked a group on a trail, injuring 11 people including several children.
Rescue crews got the call around 1:46 p.m. local time. Two ambulances and a community paramedic raced to the scene. According to the Provincial Health Services Authority, seven people were treated right there on the trail and four were taken to hospital. As of Friday, four remained admitted.
The students and teachers were from Acwsalcta School, run by the Nuxalk Nation. Officials said the group had stopped near a river when the grizzly came out of the trees and struck. Brave teachers stepped in, using bear spray and a bear banger (a loud, non-lethal device) to scare the animal off and protect the children.
British Columbia Conservation Office Service officers and the RCMP searched the area, but the bear had not been found by Friday. Authorities warned residents to stay inside, avoid trails and not try to track the animal themselves. Preliminary reports suggest the bear may have already been injured before the attack.
BCCOS Inspector Kevin Van Damme expressed sympathy for the victims and their families and said conservation officers are working hard to find the animal. Premier David Eby praised the teachers for their “heroism” and sent his condolences to the community.
Acwsalcta School announced it would be closed Friday while the community recovers. The Nuxalk Nation asked people to take the warnings seriously as officers continue their search.
British Columbia is home to roughly half of Canada’s grizzly population about 15,000 bears and encounters in forested, residential valleys like Bella Coola can be sudden and dangerous. Authorities say the safest move is to heed official warnings and let trained officers handle the situation.
