A shadow of fear hangs over the community of Bella Coola, two days after a terrifying grizzly bear attack ripped through the peaceful afternoon of a school field trip. The bear remains at large, prompting an urgent and expanding search as conservation officers work tirelessly to ensure no one else is harmed.
The attack unfolded along a forested trail, a place of learning and exploration transformed into a scene of chaos. Twenty young students, Grade 4 and 5 classes from Acwsalcta School, were enjoying a land-based learning experience when the grizzly descended upon them during a lunch break. Seven received immediate first aid, but the injuries sustained by four others – three students and one teacher – were far more severe, requiring emergency transport to hospitals in Metro Vancouver.
Details emerging from the community paint a harrowing picture of courage and desperation. One young victim needed 100 stitches and suffered three broken bones, undergoing emergency surgery to repair the damage. But amidst the trauma, stories of incredible bravery are surfacing, particularly the actions of the teachers who fearlessly intervened.
Nuxalk hereditary chief Noel Pootlass, whose family includes many of the victims, revealed the astonishing heroism of the educators. One teaching assistant, a cousin of Pootlass, bore the brunt of the attack, suffering severe head trauma while attempting to shield the children. Another teacher relentlessly attacked the bear with bear spray, emptying two canisters with little effect, while a third wielded her crutches as a weapon.
The incident is not simply a wildlife encounter; it’s a symptom of a deeper imbalance. Pootlass spoke of a heartbreaking reality – a changing ecosystem where desperate grizzly bears, driven from their habitat by clear-cutting and wildfires, are increasingly encroaching on human settlements. He recounted recent instances of bears breaking into homes and businesses, a desperate search for food gone tragically wrong.
The Nuxalk Nation is now focused on healing, drawing strength from its deep connection to the land and its creatures. Historically, the community managed bear populations through hunting, maintaining a delicate balance. Now, they offer 24-hour support at the Youth Centre, providing counselling, meals, and cultural guidance to those affected.
Acwsalcta School has suspended all outdoor learning activities, prioritizing the emotional well-being of its students. Classes are expected to resume Tuesday, with staff preparing to offer trauma-informed support. The community is rallying together, launching fundraisers to assist families who have travelled to Vancouver to be with their loved ones.
While the search for the bear continues, wildlife experts caution against speculation. Understanding the bear’s motivation is crucial, and experts suggest the attack likely stemmed from either a startled mother protecting her cubs or a compromised bear struggling to find food. Concerns are also raised about the potential for the tragedy to be exploited by pro-hunting groups.
Premier David Eby has publicly praised the teachers’ heroism, acknowledging their willingness to confront a dangerous animal. But beyond the accolades, the focus remains firmly on the recovery of those injured and the collective healing of a community shaken to its core. The weight of this event is felt deeply, a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of the natural world.
