Three school children, 1 adult injured in Bella Coola grizzly bear attack - Creston Valley Advance

A grizzly bear attack in Bella Coola has left three school children and one adult injured, according to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS). The incident occurred around 1:35 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, near a location known as the Old Trail, close to the 4 Mile area. The victims were part of a school group who had paused along a trail near the river when the bear suddenly emerged from the forest and attacked them. Despite the severity of the attack, multiple teachers present at the scene acted quickly, using pepper spray and a "bear banger" — a noise-making deterrent device — to drive the bear away. BC Conservation Officer Service Inspector Kevin Van Damme provided an update via video on Friday, explaining that the adult and three children were initially treated at Bella Coola Hospital and are now being transported to Vancouver for specialized medical care. In response to the attack, a team of conservation officers worked through the night and into the early morning hours trying to locate the grizzly but were unsuccessful. Additional officers have since been called in to assist with the investigation. BCCOS is currently collecting and analyzing evidence from the scene and the surrounding area. While the bear has yet to be found, preliminary information suggests it might have been previously injured. The incident has understandably caused distress within the local community. Van Damme noted that the BCCOS is maintaining close contact with the Nuxalk Nation, collaborating to ensure community awareness and share safety information. The Nuxalk Nation’s chief, Samuel Schooner, also released a statement describing the attack as unprecedented and traumatic for their community. He praised the teachers and students for their heroic response, acknowledging that the outcome could have been far worse. The BCCOS has urged residents to avoid the forested area and river near 4 Mile for their safety, recommending they remain indoors until further notice. Chief Schooner emphasized that the focus at present remains on caring for those affected by this horrifying event. Authorities have also called on anyone with information or bear sightings in Bella Coola to report them through the appropriate channels. A press conference by the B.C. provincial government is scheduled for 2 p.m. on November 21 to provide further details and updates about the incident. Meanwhile, the community remains on high alert as officials continue their investigation and work to prevent further harm. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in regions where grizzly bears roam. The coordinated efforts between conservation officers, local law enforcement, and Indigenous leadership highlight the importance of collaboration in managing such crises. The community’s quick response likely prevented more serious injuries or fatalities, but the search for the bear and understanding the circumstances around its behavior continue as priorities.