Authorities stated conservation officers have been nonetheless searching for the animal and urged native residents to keep away from the world the place the assault occurred.
Grizzly (Picture: Vincent Balsamo / Second by way of Getty)
Up to date November 21, 2025 05:22PM
Eleven individuals are injured, two critically, after a grizzly bear attacked a faculty group on a strolling path close to Bella Coola on British Columbia’s Central Coast.
In keeping with B.C. Emergency Well being Providers, two folks have been critically injured within the Thursday afternoon incident, with two extra struggling critical accidents. The company informed the CBC that seven extra folks suffered minor wounds and have been handled on scene. In a video assertion, Inspector Kevin Van Damme of the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) stated that probably the most significantly injured people was a trainer and the others have been college students. Van Damme stated that the BCCOS believed the bear could have been injured previous to the assault.
In a Fb put up on Thursday, the Nuxalk Nation stated that the animal implicated within the assault had not been situated, and that armed conservation officers have been on scene. Officers requested group members to not stroll within the space, and stated that it was making a number of transportation choices out there as a substitute.
Veronica Schooner, the dad or mum of a 10-year-old pupil who was current through the assault, informed The Guardian that her son was shut sufficient to the bear that “he even felt its fur.”
“He stated that bear ran so near him, but it surely was going after any person else,” Schooner informed the newspaper.
In keeping with Schooner, a male trainer “bought the entire brunt” of the assault and needed to be transported from the scene by helicopter. However a number of different folks suffered accidents, with some being hit by bear spray as lecturers with the group tried to discourage the animal.
In an announcement on its Fb web page, Acwsalcta Faculty, which is run by the Nuxalk Nation, stated that it could not maintain courses on November 21.
“To our employees: thanks on your swift actions, calm management, and unwavering dedication to defending and supporting our college students. Your braveness and professionalism made an incredible distinction in an extremely difficult second,” the varsity’s board wrote. “To our college students: we’re so pleased with the best way you supported each other, listened to directions, and have been collectively as a group.”
In an announcement, Jayme Kennedy, chair of the Central Coast Regional District, which incorporates the world the place the assault occurred, expressed “devastation as we attempt to perceive the magnitude of the assault.”
“To all that have been capable of help in any means, we want to lengthen our due to you for offering the quick assist required,” Kennedy wrote.
This can be a growing story and Backpacker will replace it as extra info turns into out there.
