URGENT UPDATE: A grizzly bear attack on a group of schoolchildren and teachers in Bella Coola, British Columbia, has left 11 people injured, with 2 critically hurt. The incident occurred on the afternoon of October 5, 2023, while the group was walking on a local trail, approximately 700 km northwest of Vancouver.
Authorities confirm that the aggressive bear remains at large as of Thursday evening. Local police and conservation officers are actively searching the area. The Nuxalk Nation, the region’s First Nation government, has advised residents to stay indoors and avoid the highway.
Emergency Health Services spokesman Brian Twaites reported that two of the injured individuals are in critical condition, while two others sustained serious injuries. The remaining victims were treated at the scene.
Parents are in shock following the attack. Veronica Schooner, whose 10-year-old son was in the group, shared harrowing details. She revealed that her son was so close to the bear that “he even felt its fur.” He described how the bear charged towards another person, while teachers attempted to fend it off, with some children accidentally sprayed with bear repellent in the chaos.
“I keep crying for my friends,” her son said, reflecting the emotional toll this incident has taken on the young survivors. Schooner’s son returned home limping, his shoes muddy from fleeing for safety.
The Acwsalcta School, an independent institution operated by the Nuxalk First Nation, announced it will be closed on Friday to allow for counseling services for students and staff. In a social media post, the school expressed gratitude for the community’s response during this “very difficult time.”
As the situation develops, the community remains on high alert. Parents and local residents are advised to monitor updates from local authorities regarding the bear’s whereabouts.
This tragic event highlights the risks associated with wildlife encounters, particularly in areas where human activities intersect with natural habitats. As details continue to unfold, all eyes are on Bella Coola as residents seek answers and support in the aftermath of this shocking incident.
