Search Intensifies for Grizzly Bear After Rare Attack on School Group in British Columbia
A large-scale search operation is underway in British Columbia following a shocking grizzly bear attack on a group of schoolchildren and teachers on Thursday, leaving 11 injured and the Nuxalk First Nation community on edge.
The incident, described by bear behaviorists as exceptionally rare, occurred during a field trip near Bella Coola. Four individuals – a teacher and three young students – were airlifted to hospital and are reportedly showing signs of improvement, though a full recovery is expected to be lengthy.
Community Under Alert as Search Expands
Residents of the Nuxalk First Nation community of Four Mile have been advised to remain indoors or utilize transportation services to avoid walking outdoors while authorities search for the bear – believed to be a mother grizzly with two cubs – responsible for the attack. Local trails have been closed, marked with pink flagging tape to delineate the search area.
Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, Nuxalk Chief Councillor Samuel Schooner pleaded with community members to allow trained professionals to lead the search. “We know that people want to try to help,” he said, “I don’t need any other people in the woods.”
Forensic Evidence and Trapping Efforts
Conservation officers are collecting forensic evidence from the scene and have deployed a predator attack response team, supported by an RCMP helicopter searching for heat signatures in the dense forest. According to Sergeant Jeff Tyre of the Conservation Officer Service (COS), the team is setting both snares and live traps.
“Any bears that are trapped will be tested against DNA evidence to determine if they were involved,” Tyre explained. “If they are not a DNA match, they will be relocated.” He confirmed that surveillance indicates a significant grizzly bear population remains in the area.
Challenging Terrain and the Danger of Family Units
The search is being hampered by the difficult terrain of the Bella Coola river valley, particularly given the recent winter rains. Officers are working around the clock, recognizing the inherent danger of the situation.
“This is, speaking from experience, probably the most dangerous thing that conservation officers do, especially dealing with family units with sows,” Tyre cautioned. He acknowledged that trapping the bears may take time, stating, “The bears don’t necessarily cooperate, but we’re doing everything we can, working with the RCMP and the Nation.”
The group of approximately 20 students had just stopped for lunch when the bear emerged from the woods and attacked. Teachers responded bravely, utilizing bear spray and bear bangers in an attempt to fend off the animal.
Long Road to Recovery and a Community in Shock
Chief Schooner emphasized the long-term impact of the attack, stating that the injured individuals face “a long road to recovery, not only physically but mentally.” He added that the Nuxalk community is deeply shaken by the incident.
“For thousands of years we have lived side by side in harmony,” he said, acknowledging that the area is, fundamentally, “bear country.” The unusual nature of the attack has left the community reeling, as authorities continue their efforts to ensure public safety and locate the bear responsible.
