A grizzly bear attack during a school field trip near Bella Coola, British Columbia, has injured eleven people, with two in critical condition as of late Thursday. The incident occurred while a group from the Acwsalcta School of Bella Coola, serving students from the Nuxalk First Nation, was hiking a trail in the area. The attack has triggered a community safety alert and a search for the bear,highlighting the risks of wildlife encounters in the remote region and prompting the school’s closure for support services.
A grizzly bear attack on a school field trip in British Columbia, Canada, has left eleven people injured, two critically, according to local authorities. The incident, which occurred on a hiking trail, highlights the potential dangers of wildlife encounters in remote areas and has prompted a community-wide safety alert.
Brian Twaites, a spokesperson for emergency services, confirmed the extent of the injuries. The Nuxalk First Nation community reported Thursday evening local time that the bear remained in the area, prompting a stay-at-home advisory for residents as police and conservation officers mobilized to search for the animal.
Teacher Seriously Injured in Attack
Veronica Schooner, the mother of a ten-year-old student participating in the excursion with fourth and fifth graders, described a harrowing scene. She said a teacher “took the full impact” of the attack and was among those airlifted to a hospital. Her son reportedly came within inches of the bear as it ran past, even feeling its fur. “He said the bear ran right by him, but it was going after someone else,” Schooner recounted.
Schooner also noted that some children were affected by bear spray deployed by teachers attempting to ward off the animal. Her son, she added, is deeply upset for his friends and praying for their recovery.
The Acwsalcta School of Bella Coola, operated by the Nuxalk community, announced on Facebook that it would remain closed Friday while providing psychological support to students and staff. “It is difficult to find the right words during these trying times. We are immensely grateful for our team and students,” the school stated.
(Deutsche Presse Agentur, man)
