Updated Story 10:25AM Friday, Nov 21
The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has issued the following statement on Facebook regarding yesterday’s (Thursday) Bear attack in Bella Coola.
The BCCOS remains in Bella Coola today (Friday) as the investigation continues into a grizzly bear attack that injured three children and one adult.
A team of officers worked overnight to locate the offending grizzly bear.
No bear was seen. Efforts to capture and assess the bear are resuming today.
The victims were part of a school group of students and teachers having lunch along a trail near the river when a grizzly bear emerged from the forest and attacked.
Multiple teachers physically intervened, using bear spray and a bear banger, to drive the bear away.
All victims are with medical professionals at this time.
“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 BCCOS Insp. Kevin Van Damme. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.”
The investigation includes assessing the area, collecting and analyzing evidence and witness and victim interviews.
Preliminary information suggests the offending bear may have been previously injured.
The Conservation Officer Service continues to direct the community to avoid the forested area and river near 4 Mile.
Residents are asked to remain indoors until further notice.
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.
Original Story 8:30 AM
The BC Conservation Officer Service responded to a grizzly bear attack on a group of elementary school students and teachers in Bella Coola.
It happened Thursday afternoon around 1:35pm.
North District RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson of Prince George told Vista Radio the extent of the injuries are not known but are believed to be “quite serious”.
Saunderson doesn’t know the ages of the kids that were attacked but confirms it was a group of students involved.
The attack happened on a trail near Highway 20 according to police.
The Nuhalk Nation near the community posted on Facebook the bear has not been found and is asking people to stay indoors. If people are needing a ride somewhere, the community bus is looping between Townsite and 4 Mile.
Additional support is available at the youth centre.
Vista Radio is awaiting a response from B.C. Emergency Health Services.
Bella Coola is 700km southwest of Prince George.
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