Overview
- B.C. Emergency Health Services reports two patients in critical condition and at least two with serious injuries, with four airlifted and others treated at the scene.
- Teachers intervened to shield students, using bear spray and reported noise deterrents, and one educator who took the brunt of the attack was evacuated by helicopter.
- The attack occurred Thursday afternoon on a trail near Highway 20 in the Bella Coola region, involving Acwsalcta School students around 10 to 11 years old and their teachers.
- The Nuxalk Nation, RCMP, and conservation officers say the aggressive bear remains at large and have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid the area.
- Acwsalcta School closed on Friday and is providing medical and emotional support as officials investigate the sequence of events and emergency response.