Grizzly Bear Attack in Bella Coola Sparks Calls to Lift Hunting Ban

UPDATE: A shocking grizzly bear attack on a school group in Bella Coola, British Columbia, has left two people critically injured and two others seriously hurt, igniting urgent discussions about the province’s ban on grizzly hunting. Just hours after the incident, the B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) called for a reassessment of the hunting ban implemented in 2017.

The attack, which occurred earlier today, involved elementary students and their teachers who were on a field trip. Emergency officials confirmed that the heroic actions of the teachers helped protect the students during the terrifying encounter. Insp. Kevin Van Damme of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service stated that such attacks are “extremely rare,” but the recent rise in bear-human conflicts is alarming.

According to BCWF executive director Jesse Zeman, the lack of hunting pressure has led to a dramatic increase in interactions between grizzly bears and humans. “With no hunting pressure, grizzlies and humans will increasingly occupy the same spaces with inevitable consequences,” Zeman warned in a news release. Reports indicate that since the ban, there has been a significant surge in calls about grizzly conflicts, from approximately 300 to 500 calls per year prior to the ban to over 1,000 annually now.

Emergency officials are actively searching for the bear involved in the attack, and Environment Minister Tamara Davidson confirmed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Conservation Officer Service are on the case. When questioned about the possibility of lifting the hunting ban, Davidson stated, “not at this time,” highlighting the government’s current stance.

The BCWF’s statement comes on the heels of other alarming bear encounters in British Columbia this year. In October, two hikers were injured in a separate bear attack, and a hunter died weeks after being mauled in the East Kootenay region. These incidents have heightened concerns among residents, as Zeman noted community members are reporting that bears are becoming “more bold.”

Critics, including Nicholas Scapillati of the Grizzly Bear Foundation, argue that using incendiary language to advocate for lifting the hunting ban is misleading. He emphasized that attacks like the one in Bella Coola are rare and that grizzlies play a crucial role in the ecosystem. “You can’t use hunting as a management tool and expect it will reduce these attacks,” Scapillati said.

This latest incident has sparked a fierce debate on wildlife management in British Columbia, with advocates for both sides urging the provincial government to consider the implications of their policies. As discussions continue, residents are calling for more engagement with local communities to address growing concerns over bear populations and safety.

Authorities are expected to provide updates on the bear search and any potential changes to hunting regulations in the coming days. With emotions running high, many are left wondering what steps will be taken to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife in the region.

Stay tuned for more developments on this urgent situation as it unfolds.