The incident occurred around 1:46 p.m. local time near Highway 20 in Bella Coola, British Columbia, when a grizzly bear attacked a group from Acwsalcta School, operated by the Nuxalk Nation. Eleven people were injured in the attack — among them fourth- and fifth-grade students and their teachers.
According to BC Emergency Health Services, two people are in critical condition, while two more are seriously injured. The remaining victims were treated at the scene. Responding to the emergency, paramedics and helicopters were deployed to evacuate the most severely hurt.
Parents have shared harrowing first-hand memories. Veronica Schooner, whose 10-year-old son Alvarez was on the walk, recalled that her son said he “felt its fur" as the bear passed dangerously close. Her son later limped back, his shoes muddy from the scramble to safety.
In the chaos, teachers attempted to fend off the bear using bear spray. Ms. Schooner said some of the children were also affected by the spray. One male teacher, she added, bore the brunt of the attack and was airlifted from the scene.
As evening fell, the Nuxalk Nation issued warnings: the “aggressive bear” remained at large, and residents were urged to stay indoors and avoid nearby forested or river areas. Armed conservation officers and RCMP were mobilized to track the animal.
In the aftermath, Acwsalcta School announced it would close for at least a day, offering counseling services to students, staff, and families shaken by the ordeal. The local community expressed deep concern, grief, and solidarity as they awaited updates on the condition of those hurt.
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Sources: The Guardian Associated Press / ABC News South China Morning Post CityNews Vancouver (CBC / Canadian Press) Yahoo News summary
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