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Grizzly Attack on School Group in Bella Coola Injures Three Students and a Teacher

On Nov. 20, a grizzly bear attacked a school group having lunch on a trail near Bella Coola, B.C., injuring three students and one teacher. Teachers used bear spray and a bear banger to fend off the animal, which remains at large. Two victims were reported critically injured and two seriously hurt; all were treated at Bella Coola Hospital and are being transferred to Vancouver. Local Indigenous school leaders thanked responders and pledged ongoing support and counseling for those affected.

12:08 AM, 11/22/2025Society
Grizzly Attack on School Group in Bella Coola Injures Three Students and a Teacher

New details have emerged about a grizzly bear attack that injured three students and one teacher in Bella Coola, British Columbia.

At about 1:46 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, emergency services responded to reports of an animal attack on a riverside trail near Highway 20 on the Central Coast. The victims were part of a school group who were having lunch when a grizzly bear emerged from the forest and attacked.

Multiple teachers intervened to protect the children, deploying bear spray and a noise-making bear banger to drive the animal away. Investigators later said preliminary information suggests the bear may have been previously injured, but the animal has not yet been located and search efforts continue.

Inspector Kevin Van Damme confirmed three children and one adult were injured. Initial reports indicated two victims were critically injured and two were seriously hurt. All four received treatment at Bella Coola Hospital and are being transferred to Vancouver for further care.

Acwsalcta School, run by the Nuxalk Nation, and the Nuxalk Acwsalcmalslayc Academy of Learning Board expressed deep gratitude to students, staff, emergency responders and community members for their quick actions and support. School leaders praised staff for their calm leadership and said counseling and emotional supports will be made available to students and families affected by the incident.

Authorities asked the public to avoid the 4 Mile area and to remain indoors until further notice while searches continue. Anyone with information about bear sightings in Bella Coola is urged to call 1-877-952-7277.

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