Grizzly Bear Attacks School Group in Bella Coola, Injuring 11

A grizzly bear attacked a group of primary school students and teachers on a walking trail in Bella Coola, British Columbia, injuring 11 people Thursday afternoon, with two in critical condition. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. near the 4 Mile subdivision, about 700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, in the territory of the Nuxalk Nation.

Emergency Health Services spokesman Brian Twaites reported that two individuals suffered critical injuries, two had serious ones, and the remaining seven were treated at the scene. Paramedics dispatched two ambulances and a helicopter, transporting the four most severely injured to hospitals. North District RCMP Corporal Madonna Saunderson described the victims' injuries as very serious, noting that the group included students from Acwsalcta School, though exact ages and genders were not immediately confirmed. Authorities identified the victims as fourth- and fifth-grade students along with accompanying teachers.

The attack took place during what appeared to be a school outing in a forested river area. Parent Veronica Schooner recounted how her 10-year-old son, Alvarez, was part of the group and came within inches of the bear. "He said...