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Grizzly Attacks School Group in Bella Coola Valley — Multiple Students and Teachers Injured

Authorities have warned residents in the Bella Coola Valley to stay indoors after a grizzly bear attacked a school group from Acwsalcta School. Two people were critically injured and two others were seriously hurt; several more were treated at the scene. A teacher received the worst of the attack while adults used bear spray, which also affected some children. The Nuxalk Nation has closed the school temporarily and is offering counselling as officers search for the bear.

06:38 AM, 11/22/2025Society
Grizzly Attacks School Group in Bella Coola Valley — Multiple Students and Teachers Injured

Authorities in British Columbia have urged residents to remain indoors after a grizzly bear attacked a school group in the Bella Coola Valley of the Nuxalk Nation on Thursday.

What happened

Officials say the group was from Acwsalcta School, located about 435 miles northwest of Vancouver. Two people were critically injured, two others were seriously hurt, and several more received treatment at the scene. Responders are searching the area for the bear.

Eyewitness accounts

A parent, Veronica Schooner, said a male teacher "got the whole brunt of it" during the encounter. Adults in the group used bear spray to try to fend the animal off; some children were also affected by the spray. Schooner added that her 10-year-old son was with the group but was not physically attacked: "He said that bear ran so close to him, but it was going after somebody else — he even felt its fur."

Community response and safety measures

The Nuxalk Nation posted on social media that officers responding to the incident are armed and urged residents to "Remain indoors and off the highway." The post also advised people not to walk in the area and noted that local buses are free to ride while the search continues. The Nation has temporarily closed the school and is offering counselling services to students, staff and families.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack and are working to locate the bear to prevent further harm. Residents are asked to follow official updates and safety instructions until the situation is resolved.

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