A grizzly bear charged a class from Acwsalcta School in Bella Coola, hurting three kids and a teacher. CTV News
A remote community in Bella Coola faces deep concern after a grizzly bear attacked a group of elementary students and teachers on Thursday afternoon. The group, from Acwsalcta School run by the Nuxalk Nation, stopped for lunch along a trail near Highway 20 when the bear rushed out of the forest without warning.
Three children and one adult went to hospital. Two of them suffered critical injuries and two others suffered serious wounds. Paramedics treated seven more people at the scene.
Insp. Kevin Van Damme of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service expressed alarm. He said he had never heard of a grizzly confronting such a large group in his 34 years on the job. “I really need to stress how dangerous the situation is with this bear at large,” he said.
Community Told to Stay Indoors
Conservation officers urged residents to stay inside while they search for the bear. They set traps near the attack site and gathered forensic evidence to confirm which animal struck the group.
Environment Minister Tamara Davidson praised the teachers for their bravery. She said they used bear spray and a bear banger to protect the children. “Their actions deserve our deepest respect and gratitude,” she said. Davidson also thanked the Nuxalk Nation for its care during the crisis and asked locals to remain alert.
B.C. Emergency Health Services transported the injured children and the teacher by ambulance to Williams Lake Airport before they were flown to hospital. Families of the victims asked for privacy.
Shock and Fear in the Community
Nuxalk Nation Chief Samuel Schooner described the attack as “significant trauma” for the community. He said the teachers and students acted heroically and likely prevented a worse outcome.
B.C. Premier David Eby offered support at a separate news event. “I want to send my heart out to the parents and the kids and loved ones of everyone who’s been injured,” he said.
Veronica Schooner said her 10-year-old son Alvarez survived the attack. He told her the bear ran so close he touched its fur. “He was running for his life,” she said. She added that one teacher took the full force of the attack while helping students escape.
When she picked up her son, she found him shaken and covered in mud. “Everybody was in shock at the school,” she said. “I just wanted my son, and I grabbed him and took him home.”
Search Efforts Continue
Eight conservation officers, including officers from outside the region, continue the search. They interview witnesses and try to learn whether the bear may have been a mother with cubs. Van Damme said they still cannot explain the animal’s behaviour. “This is extremely rare,” he said. He urged the public to understand the seriousness of the situation.
The Board of Directors of the Nuxalk Acwsalcmalslayc Academy of Learning thanked everyone involved in responding to the crisis. They praised students for supporting one another and listening to instructions during a frightening moment.
