Deadly Grizzly Bear Attack in British Columbia Leaves 11 Schoolchildren and Teachers Injured

A grizzly bear launched an attack on a group of schoolchildren and their teachers who were walking along a trail in British Columbia, Canada, resulting in 11 injuries, with two people in critical condition.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in the area of Bella Coola, approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver. According to the Nuxalk Nation, the "aggressive bear" was still at large on Thursday evening, with police and conservation officers deployed to the scene.

Local authorities issued warnings stating, "Officers are armed. Remain indoors and off the highway," through social media channels of the First Nation.

Emergency Health Services spokesman Brian Twaites reported that among the victims, two suffered critical injuries and two others sustained serious wounds. The remaining victims received treatment at the location of the attack.

Veronica Schooner, a parent of one of the children involved, mentioned that while many people attempted to intervene during the attack, one male teacher "got the whole brunt of it" and was among those airlifted from the scene by helicopter.

Her 10-year-old son Alvarez, who was part of the fourth- and fifth-grade class that encountered the bear, was close enough to the animal that "he even felt its fur," according to his mother.

"He said that bear ran so close to him, but it was going after somebody else," Schooner recounted.

She further explained that some children were accidentally affected by bear spray as teachers fought to protect the group. Alvarez was limping and had muddy shoes from fleeing to safety. Despite his own experience, the boy's primary concern remained with his classmates.

"He keeps crying for his friends, and oh my goodness, right away he started praying for his friends," she added.

Acwsalcta School, an independent institution operated by the Nuxalk First Nation in Bella Coola, announced via Facebook that the school would be closed on Friday, with counseling services made available to those affected.

"It's hard to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful for our team and our students," the school's post stated.