According to emergency officials, a grizzly bear attack has injured a number of B.C. students, with two people critically injured and others hurt.
Grizzly Bear Attack In B.C.
The incident occurred when Acwsalcta School, an independent elementary school run by the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola, was on a walk. It was then at 1:46pm on Thursday that B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded to a call regarding an “animal attack” on a trail close to Hwy. 20. Two ambulances and a community paramedic headed to the scene.
The Canadian Press notes that while the authorities have not confirmed the identities or ages of the victims, it was “the Year 4-5 class that was attacked.” 11 were ultimately injured, with two patients in critical condition and two in serious condition, said BCEHS spokesperson Brian Twaites in a statement.
One mother of a student informed The Canadian Press that the teachers fought off the bear. Many attempted to stop the attack, with one male teacher receiving “brunt of it.” He was one of the people transported by helicopter from the attack.
Staying Clear Of The Area
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCOS) said in a statement on Facebook that “public safety is the priority.” During the attack’s aftermath, they worked alongside RCMP to direct residents to stay out of the forested and river area near the 4 Mile area until further notice.
Nuxalk Nation similarly warned community members to not go looking for the bear, as it currently remains loose.
Aswsalcta School has said in a statement that their “thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the students and staff member who were injured.” They thanked the students, staff, families, emergency responders, and community members who “demonstrated extraordinary strength and compassion during today’s difficult and unexpected incident.”
As of now, residents are being advised to remain clear of the area as the bear is described as “aggressive.”
