A massive grizzly bear caused chaos in Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada, when it suddenly appeared and attacked a group of primary school children and their teachers. The incident left four individuals hospitalized in serious condition, with seven others receiving on-site medical attention. Among the affected was Veronica Schooner’s 10-year-old son, who was part of the class on a walk and had a close encounter with the bear, prompting a frantic escape.
Reports indicate that a male teacher courageously intervened to stop the bear and suffered severe injuries in the process. Schooner described the teacher as bearing the brunt of the animal’s aggression. The traumatized son recounted the harrowing experience, noting how the bear narrowly missed him while targeting someone else, causing shock and tears among the school community.
Despite search efforts, the bear remains at large as of Monday, with the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service deploying additional personnel to assist in locating the animal. Authorities are also on the lookout for two other bears seen in the vicinity during the attack. Inspector Kevin Van Damme warned residents to avoid the area, stay indoors, and use vehicles for transport until further notice due to the ongoing danger posed by the unrestrained bear.
To enhance the search operation, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Air Services helicopter equipped with thermal imaging cameras has been deployed, alongside the setting up of traps and cameras. Any captured bears will undergo DNA testing to confirm their involvement in the incident before further actions are taken. Residents are urged to prioritize safety and allow authorities the necessary space to manage the situation effectively.