URGENT UPDATE: A shocking grizzly bear attack injured 11 people, including schoolchildren and teachers, on a walking trail in Bella Coola, British Columbia Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) northwest of Vancouver, leaving the community in distress and prompting immediate action from local authorities.
The Nuxalk Nation confirmed that the “aggressive bear” remains on the loose as of Thursday evening. Police and conservation officers are actively patrolling the area. The First Nation issued a warning via social media, stating, “Officers are armed. Remain indoors and off the highway,” emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Emergency Health Services spokesman Brian Twaites reported that two individuals sustained critical injuries, while two others suffered serious injuries. The remaining victims received treatment at the scene. Witness accounts reveal the chaotic scene as teachers attempted to intervene during the attack. Parent Veronica Schooner shared that one male teacher “got the whole brunt of it” and was airlifted from the site.
Schooner’s 10-year-old son, Alvarez, was in the fourth- and fifth-grade class targeted by the bear. He was so close to the animal that he “even felt its fur.” Alvarez described the terrifying moment, stating that the bear was focused on another victim. “He keeps crying for his friends, and oh my goodness, right away he started praying for his friends,” Schooner recounted, highlighting the emotional toll on the children.
In response to the attack, Acwsalcta School, an independent institution operated by the Nuxalk First Nation, announced it will be closed on Friday. The school also stated that counseling services will be available for affected students and staff. “It’s hard to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful for our team and our students,” the school expressed in a Facebook post.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as residents remain on high alert. The community is urged to stay indoors while police and conservation officers search for the bear. As investigations proceed, updates are expected to follow.
The emotional impact of this incident on the families and the community is profound, with parents expressing deep concern for their children’s safety. The urgency of the situation and the call for community vigilance cannot be overstated.
Stay tuned for further developments as this tragic story unfolds.
