On Thursday, a grizzly bear attack on a school group walking along a trail in Bella Coola, British Columbia, left 11 students injured, prompting a swift response from the teachers who were present. The incident, which occurred near the community, has raised concerns about wildlife safety in the region.
Officials confirmed that the group had stopped along a trail when the bear emerged from the forest and attacked. Inspector Kevin Van Damme of the British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service stated that the teachers successfully repelled the bear using pepper spray and a bear banger device. The attack resulted in 11 injuries, with two in critical condition, two in serious condition, and seven treated at the scene by medical personnel.
While the bear was reportedly injured and possibly in pain, officials are still searching for it, as the incident could have been more dangerous had the teachers not intervened. The victims are being taken to Bella Coola Hospital and then transferred to Vancouver for further medical attention. The local community, including the Nuxalk Nation, is working closely with authorities to ensure heightened awareness and safety measures are implemented in the area.
Tamara Davidson, British Columbia’s minister of environment and parks, praised the teachers for their bravery, calling them ‘true heroes’ and noting their preparedness. Authorities are also issuing warnings about bear safety as the region faces an increasing number of bear encounters, particularly in areas where human activities and wildlife habitats overlap.
The incident underscores the need for better preparedness and education about wildlife encounters, especially in regions like British Columbia, where grizzly bear sightings have been on the rise. As the investigation continues, the community is coming together to support the victims and their families, while also addressing the underlying environmental and safety concerns that led to this tragic event.