Grizzly Bear Attack Injures Four in B.C. School Group – Ongoing Hunt

BREAKING: A grizzly bear attack on a school group in Bella Coola, British Columbia, has left four individuals injured, with two victims critically hurt. The vicious incident occurred on July 15, 2023, as students from the independent Acwsalcta School, run by the Nuxalk Nation, were having lunch on a trail near Highway 20.

Residents are still reeling from the shock. “My heart and my strength go out to them,” said local resident Jefferson Bray, expressing concern for the students and teachers who were caught in the sudden assault. Paramedics confirmed that three children and one adult were airlifted to hospitals in the Lower Mainland, with two critically injured and two seriously hurt.

Among the hospitalized is Julianna, the granddaughter of local resident Rosanne Mack. “I am worried about my granddaughter,” Mack stated, revealing that Julianna underwent surgery for multiple fractures. “She has a fractured shoulder, fractured elbow, and a fractured ankle.”

The emotional and physical impact of this traumatic event is profound. Kirsten Milton, deputy chief of the Nuxalk Nation, emphasized the community’s commitment to providing support. “We don’t want anyone to go through this alone,” she said. The Nuxalk Nation is collaborating with Vancouver Coastal Health, the First Nations Health Authority, and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society to offer counseling and assistance to those affected.

In response to the attack, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has set traps and installed cameras to locate the bear involved. Reports indicate that witnesses observed two additional grizzly bears in the area during the incident. “Trapping efforts to capture and assess all three bears are ongoing,” the service announced in a social media update.

Authorities are urging residents to avoid the 4 Mile area where the attack occurred. Insp. Kevin Van Damme warned, “This is a fluid and dangerous situation. For the safety of residents and our officers, please avoid the area and allow them space to do their work.”

As additional conservation officers arrive in Bella Coola, an RCMP Air 3 helicopter equipped with thermal imaging is assisting in the search efforts. The conservation service has not yet decided on the fate of the bears if captured, aiming to allow the animals to act naturally by minimizing human interference.

Despite the fear and trauma, Bray expressed hope that the bears will not be euthanized. “This was like a lightning strike,” he remarked. “It’s not a time to lock and load and start shooting at the sky.”

A news conference is scheduled for 4 p.m. today in Bella Coola, where officials are expected to provide further updates. This developing story will be updated as new information becomes available.

Stay tuned for real-time updates on this urgent situation.