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B.C. Intensifies Search for Mother Grizzly and Two Cubs After School Group Attack

Authorities in British Columbia are searching for a mother grizzly and two cubs after an attack on an elementary school group in Bella Coola Valley, about 620 miles north of Vancouver. Three students and one adult were injured; a teacher used pepper spray and a bear banger to repel the animal. RCMP aircraft with thermal-imaging cameras and rotating BCCOS teams are conducting the search, and residents near the 4 Miles subdivision have been asked to stay indoors. Any bears captured will be assessed by wildlife biologists and federal veterinarians to decide next steps.

07:48 PM, 11/24/2025Society
B.C. Intensifies Search for Mother Grizzly and Two Cubs After School Group Attack

Canadian conservation authorities have intensified a search for a mother grizzly and her two cubs after an attack on an elementary school group last week in the Bella Coola Valley, about 620 miles (roughly 1,000 km) north of Vancouver.

Ongoing search efforts

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has rotated teams through the area around the clock, including nighttime patrols, to locate the animals. Royal Canadian Mounted Police aircraft equipped with thermal-imaging cameras are assisting the operation, while additional conservation officers and trapping teams have been deployed to the scene. Authorities asked the public not to join search efforts and to avoid the 4 Miles subdivision where the incident occurred.

Incident details and response

Local officials say a group of students and adults had stopped along a trail when a grizzly emerged from the woods and attacked. A teacher carrying pepper spray and a bear banger managed to drive the animal off, allowing the group to retreat and get help. Three students and one adult were injured and transported to a hospital in Vancouver for further treatment.

BCCOS Inspector Kevin Van Damme said the bear may have been injured prior to the incident. Any bears captured during the search will be examined by wildlife biologists and federal veterinarians to determine next steps regarding their care and management.

B.C. Premier David Eby praised the teachers for their 'heroism' and said conservation officers were working hard to identify and find the bear. He described the event as a terrible outcome and wished a quick recovery for those who were injured.

Context and safety advice

Grizzly attacks in British Columbia are rare but can be fatal in some cases. Residents in the area are urged to remain indoors and follow updates from the BCCOS and local authorities. The conservation service has reminded the public not to interfere with professional search and trapping efforts for safety and investigative reasons.

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