Bear attack that seriously injured 4 in Bella Coola still a ‘dangerous situation’ - Cloverdale Reporter

Efforts to capture the grizzly bears involved in a recent attack in Bella Coola have remained active through Saturday, November 22, 2025. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has deployed additional officers to the remote northern community to manage the ongoing situation. The attack, which occurred on Thursday, November 20, seriously injured four people — three children and one adult — and has been described as a dangerous and fluid situation by local authorities. According to BCCOS investigations, which have included witness accounts, there were not just one but three grizzly bears in the vicinity during the attack. This took place at around 1:35 p.m. during a school field trip, when a group of students and teachers stopped for lunch near a trail by a river. A grizzly emerged unexpectedly from the forest, leading to the violent incident that sent the victims to hospital. The ongoing investigation on Saturday focused on gathering forensic evidence to help identify the specific bears involved. The conservation office has strongly urged the public to steer clear of the 4 Mile area and warned against attempting to track or confront the bears themselves. Insp. Kevin Van Damme emphasized the importance of giving officers space to work safely, stating, “We can appreciate people want to be involved but this is a fluid and dangerous situation. For the safety of residents and our officers, please avoid the area and allow them space to do their work.” Alongside the BCCOS, the Nuxalk Nation has been closely involved, providing crisis and trauma support services to the community. The Nuxalk Nation has reminded people to access their phone support lines amid the distress caused by the attack. Van Damme expressed gratitude for the Nation’s cooperation and community-focused efforts, highlighting that they are working together to share safety information and keep the local population informed. The community remains shaken by the incident, and authorities are keeping their thoughts with the victims and their families, wishing them a swift and full recovery. The situation continues to be closely monitored, with the BCCOS and local partners actively coordinating efforts to manage any further risks posed by the bears in the area.