Bear emerged from forest to attack school group having lunch B.C. conservation

A grizzly bear attacked a group of students and teachers during a lunch outing on a trail in Bella Coola, British Columbia, injuring three children and one adult. Two of the injured individuals sustained critical injuries and are being transported to Vancouver for emergency care, while seven others received treatment in the community. Multiple teachers intervened with bear spray and a bear banger, successfully driving the bear away. Conservation officers continue to search for the bear, which has not been seen since the attack. Preliminary investigations suggest the bear may have been previously injured, prompting officials to advise community members to avoid the area.

The incident has caused distress among local residents, with B. C. Premier David Eby expressing gratitude for the teachers' heroism. The Nuxalk Nation has pledged support for those affected, while the Minister of Environment has urged residents near the attack site to remain indoors for their safety. B.

C. Conservation Officer Service inspector Kevin Van Damme noted that such attacks on large groups are extremely rare.