B.C. officials provided an update on a grizzly bear attack in Bella Coola, British Columbia, which resulted in two individuals critically injured and two others seriously harmed, as confirmed by emergency officials. Additionally, seven more individuals received on-site treatment but did not require hospital transport. The incident was reported on Thursday at 1:46 p.m. PT on the “Old Trail” near Highway 20, prompting a response from B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) with two ambulances and a community paramedic.
A witness, Veronica Schooner, mentioned that during the attack, multiple people attempted to stop the bear, with one male teacher bearing the brunt of the assault and subsequently being airlifted from the scene. The mother of a child in the elementary class described the traumatic experience, noting that three children suffered major injuries. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) stated that the attack involved three children and one adult who were having lunch on a trail near Bella Coola when the grizzly bear emerged from the forest.
Conservation officers, along with the RCMP, have been present at the scene since the incident, cautioning residents to avoid the forested and river areas near the 4 Mile location until further notice. Authorities suspect the bear might have had prior injuries and are working on capturing it. The injured individuals were initially treated at Bella Coola Hospital and are being transferred to Vancouver for additional medical care.
Due to the incident involving students and staff, Acwsalcta School in Bella Coola announced its closure on Friday. The Nuxalk Nation Chief expressed pride in the heroic response of teachers and students during the unprovoked grizzly bear attack, emphasizing the importance of community support during this difficult time. The Nuxalk Nation advised against searching for the bear, highlighting alternative transportation options for safety.
Jayme Kennedy, Chair of the Central Coast Regional District, extended support to the affected individuals and Nuxalk Nation, emphasizing the community’s shock at the unprecedented nature of the attack. Kennedy acknowledged the community’s awareness of bear safety practices and described the incident as unimaginable, considering the typically peaceful coexistence with bears in the area, despite previous bear-related issues.