A terrifying scene unfolded in a remote British Columbia community as a grizzly bear launched a brutal attack on a group of students and teachers. The incident left two people fighting for their lives and several others injured, shattering the tranquility of the area.
The attack occurred while an elementary school class from Acwsalcta School, operated by the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola, was enjoying a walk on a trail near Hwy. 20. Emergency services responded swiftly to reports of the “animal attack,” initiating a critical response that would test the resilience of the community.
Paramedics on the scene immediately assessed the situation, finding two patients in critical condition and two more in serious condition. They provided urgent care before transporting the critically injured to a hospital for advanced treatment. Seven additional individuals received care at the scene, thankfully avoiding the need for hospitalization.
The school announced its closure for the day, expressing profound gratitude for the dedication of its staff and the courage of its students. A wave of shock and sorrow washed over the school as the community grappled with the unfolding tragedy.
Details emerged revealing the victims were students from the Year 4-5 class. One mother, Veronica Schooner, recounted her son Alvarez’s harrowing experience, describing how he narrowly escaped the bear’s grasp, even feeling its fur as it rushed past.
Alvarez witnessed the bear focusing its attack on another individual, and Schooner revealed that a male teacher bore the brunt of the assault, requiring evacuation by helicopter. She also shared that three children sustained significant injuries during the terrifying ordeal.
The school was filled with emotional chaos, with students and staff overwhelmed by fear and grief. Schooner described a scene of widespread crying and a desperate need for reassurance, ultimately taking her son home to safety.
The aggressive grizzly bear remained at large, prompting urgent warnings from the Nuxalk Nation Chief and Council. Residents were strongly advised to remain indoors and avoid the forested areas, with transportation assistance offered to ensure community safety.
Conservation officers confirmed the grizzly bear attack and prioritized public safety, directing residents to stay clear of the 4 Mile area near the river and forests. Armed officers were deployed to search for the bear, intensifying the sense of urgency and fear.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service and the RCMP worked together to secure the area, emphasizing the immediate need to avoid potential encounters with the dangerous animal. The community held its breath, hoping for the swift capture of the bear and a return to peace.
