A grizzly bear attack has injured three children and one adult, says BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS).
Around 1:35 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20., BCCOS and Bella Coola RCMP responded to reports of a bear attack at an area called the Old Trail, close to 4 Mile.
The victims were part of a school group who stopped along a trail near the river when the grizzly bear emerged from the forest and attacked them. While four people were injured, multiple teachers was able to use pepper spray and a “bear banger” on the grizzly, said BCCOS Insp. Kevin Van Damme in a video update on Friday.
The adult and three children were treated at Bella Coola Hospital and are being transported to Vancouver for further care.
A group of conservation officers worked throughout the night and early morning but were unable to find the bear. Additional officers have been called to the scene as BCCOS collects and analzying evidence and the surrounding area.
At this time, the bear has not been found, but Van Damme said that preliminary information suggests it could be previously injured.
“We recognize this incident is distressing for the community. We are in close contact with the Nuxalk Nation as our investigation continues. We thank them for their collaborative efforts to ensure community awareness and shared safety information,” said Van Damme. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.”
The Nuxalk Nation has also commented.
“This unprecedented grizzly bear attack occurred without provocation and has resulted in significant trauma to our community,” said Nuxalk Nation chief Samuel Schooner. “We are incredibly proud of our teachers and students who responded heroically in the moment to protect one another. The outcome could have been much worse.”
BCCOS is directing the community to avoid the forested area and river near 4 Mile. Residents are asked to remain indoors until further notice.
“At present we are focused on taking care of our community members who are affected by this horrific event,” added Schooner.
Anyone with information, or to report bear sightings in Bella Coola, should contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.
The B.C. provincial government will be holding a press conference about the incident at 2 p.m. on Nov. 21.