UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded in Bella Coola, British Columbia, as a grizzly bear attacked a group of students and teachers during a nature outing, injuring 11 individuals—two of whom are in critical condition. The attack occurred earlier today, September 28, 2023, while the class from the Acwsalcta School, run by the Nuxalk Nation, was on a lunch break near a river.
Emergency officials confirmed that approximately 20 students were present when the bear emerged from the forest, leading to chaos and panic. One male teacher reportedly took the worst of the attack, suffering serious injuries while trying to protect the students. He was airlifted from the scene, alongside others who required urgent medical attention.
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service stated that multiple teachers bravely intervened, using bear spray and a bear banger in an effort to drive the bear away. Eyewitness accounts reveal the fear experienced by the students; one parent shared that their child, 10-year-old Alvarez, was so close to the bear he “even felt its fur” while fleeing for safety.
Authorities are investigating the bear’s behavior, suggesting it may have been injured prior to the attack, which could explain its aggressive actions. The incident has raised urgent concerns about wildlife safety and the risks faced by outdoor educational activities.
As this story develops, officials are actively searching for the bear and assessing the broader implications for wildlife interactions in the region. Local communities and parents are left reeling from this traumatic event, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures during school excursions.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the condition of the injured.
