Grizzly Bear Attack in Bella Coola Leaves 11 Injured, Two Critically

Grizzly Bear Attack Stuns Bella Coola Community

In an incident that has shaken the tight-knit community of Bella Coola, British Columbia, a grizzly bear attacked a group of schoolchildren and teachers on a walking trail late Thursday, leaving eleven people injured, including two in critical condition. The attack occurred roughly 435 miles northwest of Vancouver, in a region known for its rugged wilderness and strong ties to the Nuxalk First Nation.

Chaos on the Trail: How the Attack Unfolded

According to The Guardian and NBC News, the bear struck as a class of fourth- and fifth-graders from Acwsalcta School, accompanied by teachers, were out for a walk. The tranquility of the afternoon was shattered as the aggressive bear charged into the group. Parents, teachers, and children scrambled for safety, some attempting to fend off the animal with bear spray. Amid the chaos, one male teacher reportedly bore the brunt of the attack and was among those airlifted from the scene with serious injuries.

Veronica Schooner, a parent of one of the children, described the terrifying moments: her 10-year-old son, Alvarez, was so close to the bear he could feel its fur. Alvarez managed to escape with muddy shoes and a limp, but the emotional toll was evident. “He keeps crying for his friends, and oh my goodness, right away he started praying for his friends,” Schooner recounted.

Emergency Response and Community Impact

Emergency Health Services spokesperson Brian Twaites confirmed that two people were critically injured, with two more sustaining serious injuries. The remaining victims received treatment at the scene. Authorities, including police and conservation officers, responded swiftly, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid the highway as the bear continued to roam the area. Officers on site were armed, prepared for any further encounters with the animal.

Acwsalcta School, which serves the Nuxalk community, announced its closure for Friday and offered counseling services to students and staff. “It’s hard to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful for our team and our students,” the school shared in a heartfelt social media post.

Bear Still at Large: Search and Safety Measures

As of Thursday evening, the bear had not been captured. The Nuxalk Nation continued to update residents, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors until the situation was resolved. Conservation officers worked through the night, tracking the animal and coordinating with local authorities to ensure public safety.

Bear attacks in Canada, while rare, are a sobering reminder of the challenges of living in proximity to wildlife. The Bella Coola incident has reignited discussions about safety measures, trail management, and the importance of education around wildlife encounters, especially for children and educators who spend time outdoors.

Voices from the Community: Shock and Resilience

The aftermath of the attack has left parents and teachers grappling with fear, relief, and gratitude. Many have praised the quick thinking of teachers and first responders, whose actions likely prevented further tragedy. Yet, the emotional scars linger. For Alvarez and his classmates, the trauma of coming face-to-face with a grizzly bear will not soon be forgotten.

Local leaders have emphasized the need for unity and support in the days ahead. The Nuxalk Nation, whose land encompasses much of the surrounding area, has been at the forefront of community outreach, ensuring that families have access to counseling and information.

What Comes Next: Recovery and Reflection

With the bear still at large, Bella Coola remains on alert. Authorities are working to locate and safely remove the animal, balancing public safety with conservation concerns. Meanwhile, the injured are receiving medical care, and the community is rallying to support those affected.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife, especially in regions where human activity intersects with animal habitats. For Bella Coola, the road to recovery will require not just physical healing, but also emotional resilience and communal solidarity.

The Bella Coola bear attack has laid bare both the vulnerability and strength of a small community facing an extraordinary crisis. The facts reveal a swift emergency response, heroic actions by educators, and a community unified in concern and compassion. As the search for the bear continues, the story underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness in areas where wilderness is part of daily life—and the enduring human capacity to care for one another in the face of fear.