Urgent Search for Grizzly Bears After School Group Attack in B.C.

UPDATE: An intense search is underway in Bella Coola, B.C. for three grizzly bears involved in a shocking attack on a group of schoolchildren and teachers on July 15, 2023. Four individuals, including three students, were hospitalized after the bears charged at them during a field trip, raising urgent concerns about escalating bear encounters in this remote community.

Authorities from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service confirmed they are focusing their efforts on the 4 Mile subdivision, where the attack occurred. Conservation officers have installed trail cameras in the area and narrowed their search radius, believing the bears may return. So far, only one bear has been spotted, but it was located far from the attack site.

At a press conference today, Sgt. Jeff Tyre stated, “The safety of the community is our priority. We aim to safely capture the bears involved in the attack.” The incident has ignited fears among residents, as many report a rise in bear sightings in recent years.

Local resident and Nuxalk Nation hereditary chief Noel Pootlass noted that a new population of grizzlies has moved into the valley since 2018, driven out of their natural habitat by logging and climate change. “The population has likely doubled or tripled in our valley,” he said, highlighting the growing tension between humans and wildlife.

Residents like Maryanne Gurr share their unsettling experiences with bears. Gurr recounted a terrifying encounter when she found multiple bears in her backyard, saying, “I can’t sleep at night thinking they’ll come back.” She has witnessed bears breaking into homes, including her own, where a bear rummaged through her freezer and scattered food everywhere.

The school attack has intensified discussions about B.C.’s ban on grizzly hunting, which was implemented at the end of 2017. While hunting is permitted for First Nations for cultural purposes, many residents are calling for a reevaluation of the ban in light of increasing bear encounters.

As the search continues, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid the area surrounding the attack. Conservation officers are focused on identifying the bears involved, aiming to trap and collect DNA for analysis. Bears captured that are not linked to the attack will be relocated to ensure community safety.

The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as the search progresses. Local authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant and report any bear sightings, stressing the need for a collaborative approach to ensure both human and wildlife safety.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned.