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Teachers Hailed as 'True Heroes' After Repelling Grizzly That Injured 11 During School Hike in Bella Coola

12:32 PM, 11/23/2025
Teachers Hailed as 'True Heroes' After Repelling Grizzly That Injured 11 During School Hike in Bella Coola

Teachers in Bella Coola, British Columbia, used pepper spray and a bear banger to repel a grizzly that attacked a stopped school group on a trail. Eleven people were injured—two in critical condition and two in serious condition—with others treated at the scene. Victims were taken to Bella Coola Hospital and are being transferred to Vancouver for further care. Authorities are searching for the bear and coordinating with the Nuxalk Nation while investigators continue their work.

Teachers successfully drove off a grizzly bear that attacked a school group on a trail near Bella Coola, British Columbia, on Thursday, officials said.

Inspector Kevin Van Damme of British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service said the group had stopped along the trail when the grizzly emerged from the forest and attacked. Teachers responded quickly, using bear spray and a bear banger to repel the animal.

"Teachers successfully repelled the bear using pepper spray and a bear banger," Insp. Kevin Van Damme said.

Eleven people were injured in the incident, including students in the fourth and fifth grades. Health authorities reported two people were in critical condition, two were in serious condition, and the remaining seven received treatment at the scene. All victims were initially taken to Bella Coola Hospital and were being transferred to Vancouver for further care.

As of Friday, officials were still searching for the bear, which they believe may have been previously injured. Authorities emphasized the importance of community safety and are coordinating closely with the Nuxalk Nation to share information and support the investigation.

"We recognize this incident is distressing for the community... Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery," Van Damme said.

Tamara Davidson, British Columbia’s Minister of Environment and Parks, praised the teachers as "true heroes," noting their preparedness and quick actions helped protect the students. Bella Coola is located more than 400 miles north of Vancouver.

Context and safety note: Pepper spray and noise deterrents like bear bangers are commonly recommended tools for deterring aggressive bears. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack and urge anyone in the area to follow official safety guidance.

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