BREAKING: An urgent situation unfolds in Bella Coola, British Columbia as a grizzly bear attacked a group of schoolchildren and teachers on a walking trail, injuring 11 people, including two critically. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon, October 19, 2023, approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) northwest of Vancouver.
The Nuxalk Nation has confirmed that the “aggressive bear” remains on the loose, prompting local authorities to respond swiftly. Police and conservation officers are patrolling the area, with armed officers urging residents to stay indoors and away from highways, as stated in a social media post by the First Nation.
Emergency Health Services spokesman Brian Twaites reported that two individuals sustained critical injuries while two others suffered serious wounds. The remaining victims received treatment at the scene. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene, with parents and teachers desperately trying to fend off the bear.
Parent Veronica Schooner shared harrowing details about the attack involving her 10-year-old son Alvarez, who was in a class of fourth- and fifth-graders. “He even felt its fur,” she said, recounting how close he came to the bear. “He said that bear ran so close to him, but it was going after somebody else.”
Schooner revealed that children were inadvertently sprayed with bear spray as teachers fought to protect them. Alvarez was seen limping and with muddy shoes from fleeing for safety. His immediate concern, however, was for his classmates. “He keeps crying for his friends, and oh my goodness, right away he started praying for his friends,” Schooner added.
The Acwsalcta School, an independent institution operated by the Nuxalk First Nation, announced on Facebook that it will be closed on Friday, with counseling services available for students during this traumatic time. “It’s hard to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful for our team and our students,” the post read.
Authorities are advising the public to remain vigilant as they continue to search for the bear. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected throughout the day. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
This shocking incident highlights the dangers wildlife poses in populated areas and underscores the need for awareness and preparedness in such encounters. The community’s immediate response and the emotional impact on the children and families involved are profound, emphasizing the human element in this unfolding crisis.
