Two more grizzly bears have been captured by the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) following a harrowing bear attack in Bella Coola last week.
According to a social media post, the bears are currently being assessed to determine if they are connected to the incident that happened on Nov. 20 in Bella Coola that left four people seriously injured – one adult and three children.
The victims were among a group of students and teachers who had stopped along a trail near a river in the 4 Mile area when the attack took place. In all, 11 people were injured.
Forensic evidence from the attack is also being analyzed at a forensics laboratory to assist in the investigation.
The two grizzly bears mark the third and fourth bears that BCCOS has captured so far. The first two bears have both been captured on Nov. 24.
Conservation officers are continuing their efforts to locate and capture any bears that may be involved in the incident.
The ministry of water, land and resource stewardship drone program, which uses drones with thermal imaging technology, is planned to support search efforts of bears in the region.
“Any bears not conclusively linked to the attack will be relocated within their home range, far from the community,” the post reads.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid the 4 Mile area, remain indoors, and not attempt to search for the bear themselves.