A grizzly bear is on the loose in British Columbia after attacking a school group in the town of Bella Coola on Thursday afternoon, injuring 11 people—two of them critically. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors while armed officers search for the animal. The attack occurred on a walking trail near Acwsalcta School, which is operated by the Nuxalk Nation, about 700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver.
According to parent Veronica Schooner, a male teacher “got the whole brunt of it,” while some children were accidentally hit with bear spray as adults tried to fend off the animal. Schooner said her 10-year-old son was part of the group but escaped unharmed. He said the bear ran so close to him, but it was going after somebody else he even felt its fur,” she told the Canadian Press.
Emergency health officials reported that two victims suffered critical injuries, two others were seriously hurt, and seven were treated at the scene.
In a statement on Facebook, the Nuxalk Nation warned residents that officers are armed” and advised them to “remain indoors and off the highway.” The Nation described the situation as a “very difficult time” and expressed gratitude for the efforts of school staff and emergency responders.
Also Read:
A ‘Historic’ Peace Agreement Between Thailand and Cambodia is Overseen by Trump
Tesla Shareholders Accepted Elon Musk’s $1 Trillion Pay Agreement
