Four Students Injured in Bella Coola Grizzly Bear Attack

Four students were hospitalized on Thursday following a reported grizzly bear attack near Highway 20, local authorities confirmed. The incident occurred on a trail in the 4 Mile area of Bella Coola, a community known for its forested surroundings.

According to BC Emergency Health Services (EHS), the first call about the animal attack came in at 1:46 p.m. Two ambulances and a community paramedic were dispatched to the scene, where they provided emergency medical care to four individuals before transporting them to a nearby hospital.

“Two patients were in critical condition and two were in serious condition,” said Brian Twaites, a paramedic public information officer with EHS. Seven other people received care at the scene but did not require hospital transport.

Due to weather conditions, EHS worked with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre to ensure the victims were safely transported.

RCMP North District Corporal Madonna Saunderson confirmed that the victims were students from a nearby school. In response, Acwsalcta School announced it will remain closed on Friday and said support services will be provided to students and staff affected by the incident.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service and RCMP are on site, advising residents to avoid the forested and river areas near the 4 Mile subdivision until the situation is resolved.

The Nuxalk Nation first reported the incident via social media, describing it as a “bear incident.” The Nation later issued a warning about an aggressive bear still in the area, urging residents not to approach it.

In a statement, Nuxalk Nation Chief Samuel Schooner expressed concern for those affected: “We are devastated for the individuals and families impacted by the bear incident. All individuals involved are receiving medical support, and our priority is to ensure that they are safe. We have been in contact with affected families and are gathering further information to share with our community.”

As of Thursday night, authorities have not located the bear involved in the attack. Investigations and safety measures remain ongoing to prevent further incidents.