URGENT UPDATE: A grizzly bear has attacked a group of schoolchildren and teachers on a walking trail in Bella Coola, British Columbia, injuring 11 people, with two critically injured. The incident unfolded on October 5, 2023, around 3 PM local time, causing chaos and alarm in this small community located 700 kilometers (approximately 435 miles) northwest of Vancouver.
Authorities are actively responding to what the Nuxalk Nation described as an “aggressive bear,” which remains at large. Local police and conservation officers are on-site, urging residents to “remain indoors and off the highway” as an essential safety measure. The First Nation confirmed that armed officers are present, intensifying the urgency of the situation.
Emergency Health Services spokesperson Brian Twaites reported that two individuals sustained critical injuries, while two more suffered serious wounds. The remaining victims received treatment at the scene. Eyewitness accounts reveal the harrowing nature of the attack. Parent Veronica Schooner shared that one male teacher “got the whole brunt of it,” requiring helicopter evacuation due to serious injuries.
Her son, 10-year-old Alvarez, was in the class of fourth- and fifth-graders attacked by the bear. He recounted feeling the animal’s fur as it rushed past him, stating, “The bear ran so close to him, but it was going after somebody else.” In a heart-wrenching moment, Alvarez expressed concern for his classmates, praying for their safety. Schooner described the chaos, revealing that some children were accidentally sprayed with bear spray as teachers fought to fend off the animal.
The assault has prompted Acwsalcta School, an independent institution operated by the Nuxalk First Nation, to announce it will be closed on Friday. The school plans to provide counseling services for students affected by the traumatic event. In a poignant message posted on social media, the school expressed gratitude for their team and students during this “very difficult time.”
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking incident, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents are advised to stay vigilant as wildlife officials work to locate and secure the bear. This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildlife in populated areas.
What to watch for: Updates from local authorities regarding the bear’s capture and further safety measures. Stay tuned for more breaking news as this story develops.
