Grizzly Attacks Students and Teachers in Bella Coola Valley — Several Injured, Bear Still At Large

A grizzly bear attacked a group of students and teachers on Thursday in the remote Bella Coola Valley within the Nuxalk Nation, leaving several people injured and prompting an active search for the animal.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they responded at 1:35 p.m. to a report of a grizzly attack in an area known locally as Old Trail. Local reports indicate two people were critically injured and two others suffered serious injuries; additional people were treated at the scene and released. Authorities have not released the victims' names.

According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, the group had stopped along a trail near the river when a grizzly emerged from the forest and attacked. Multiple teachers intervened, deploying bear spray and a bear banger to drive the animal away.

Community members described chaotic scenes as teachers and others tried to protect students. Veronica Schooner said her 10-year-old son, Alvarez, who was in the class, is "traumatized" and "in shock" after the incident. "He was running for his life," she said, adding that the bear came so close her son "even felt its fur." She added that one male teacher "got the whole brunt of it" while many people attempted to help.

Nuxalk Nation Chief Samuel Schooner warned residents that an "aggressive bear" remained at large and urged people not to seek the animal and to stay indoors. "There has been a bear incident near 4 Mile. For the safety of all, please stay indoors, off the highway near the administration office, and off all trails," he wrote.

Acwsalcta School, an independent First Nations school in Bella Coola, confirmed members of its community were involved and said the school would be closed on Friday. The school expressed support for the injured and for students who witnessed the attack, and pledged to provide emotional resources in the days ahead.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has urged residents to avoid the forest and river areas near the scene while officers work to locate and, if possible, capture the bear. Officials said efforts to find the animal continued into Friday.

Context

Authorities noted a similar grizzly attack last month in the McGregor Mountain area northeast of Prince George, in which two hikers were injured; one later died of complications. Officials said the grizzly involved in that mauling was later found dead.

Investigators continue to gather information about Thursday's attack. Local and provincial agencies have asked anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward and reminded residents to exercise heightened caution in bear country.