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Two Grizzlies Captured Near Bella Coola as Hunt for School-Trip Attacker Continues

Investigators will use DNA evidence to confirm the attacker before deciding any next steps for the captured bears.

FILE: A grizzly bear in British Columbia in Canada. Conservation officers are still searching for the bear involved in last week’s attack on a school group.
Conservations officers continue to search for three grizzly bears in Bella Coola after last week's attack on a school group that left four people seriously injured.
A B.C. conservation officer measures a grizzly bear footprint in Bella Coola as the search for three bears continues.
FILE: A grizzly bear in British Columbia in Canada. Wildlife experts said attacks on large groups are extremely rare.

Overview

  • Conservation officers say two grizzlies were trapped on Monday, with one deemed an inconclusive match and set to be GPS‑collared and relocated as testing proceeds on the other.
  • The search remains active for a sow and two cubs believed involved in the Nov. 20 attack, with rotating teams, live traps, trail cameras and RCMP thermal‑imaging support focused around the 4 Mile area.
  • Authorities report 11 people were injured in the field‑trip attack, and a teacher and three students were airlifted or hospitalized as the community continues recovery.
  • Acwsalcta School reopened with strict precautions, including door‑to‑door bus pickups and keeping students within fenced areas, while families were told attendance is optional.
  • The Nuxalk Nation’s fundraiser has drawn tens of thousands of dollars as residents describe rising bear encounters linked by local leaders to habitat disruption, even as provincial data show no broad increase in grizzly conflicts.