A wave of anxiety grips the small community of Bella Coola as conservation officers continue their search for the grizzly bear, or bears, responsible for a harrowing attack on a school group. Last Thursday, a peaceful field trip transformed into a scene of chaos, leaving four people – three children and an adult – with serious injuries.
The attack occurred while twenty elementary students and teachers were enjoying lunch near a First Nation school. The sudden and brutal nature of the encounter sent shockwaves through the region, prompting an immediate and extensive search effort. Helicopters equipped with thermal imaging cameras now scan the landscape, joining ground crews in the hunt.
Two grizzly bears were captured on Monday, offering a glimmer of hope, but initial investigations proved inconclusive. Evidence collected from the attack site didn’t definitively link either bear to the incident. One will be fitted with a GPS collar and relocated, a temporary measure while the investigation continues.
Authorities are urging extreme caution, specifically advising residents to avoid the 4 Mile area, remain indoors, and refrain from actively searching for the bears. The situation is described as “fluid,” with officers working relentlessly to identify all bears involved and ensure public safety. Support is also being offered to the Nuxalk Nation during this difficult time.
A second bear captured on Monday is now undergoing DNA testing, a crucial step in determining its potential involvement. The results are eagerly awaited, as the community desperately seeks answers and a return to normalcy. The uncertainty surrounding the remaining bears – a suspected female sow and her two cubs – adds to the mounting tension.
Nuxalk Nation elected Chief Samuel Schooner has appealed for privacy for the injured, emphasizing the need for the children to recover in a safe and comforting environment. He also reiterated the danger, pleading with everyone to stay away from the area and report any bear sightings to the Conservation Officer Service.
This year has already seen a significant increase in human-wildlife conflict in the Bella Coola area, with 24 reported incidents involving grizzly bears. A concerning 18 of those calls occurred within the last three months, highlighting a growing pattern of interaction and potential risk.
The fate of any bear confirmed to be involved in the attack remains undecided. Officials state that each captured animal will be thoroughly assessed by biologists and the provincial veterinarian before a final decision is made, a process balancing public safety with the value of wildlife.
As days pass, the community holds its breath, hoping for a swift resolution and, most importantly, the full recovery of those injured in this terrifying encounter. The search continues, driven by a determination to prevent further harm and restore peace to the region.
