A quiet day in Bella Coola turned chaotic when news spread that a grizzly bear had injured several members of a school group, pushing the entire community indoors as armed officers searched for the animal. The Nuxalk Nation quickly shut down Acwsalcta School, assuring families that counselling and support were being offered while stressing the need to stay off the roads for safety.
Parents described moments of terror as children returned home shaken. One mother shared how her son felt the bear brush past him, close enough to feel its fur, even though it was focused on attacking someone else. Adults trying to protect the pupils accidentally exposed some children to bear spray in the confusion.
Emergency officials later confirmed that 11 people were hurt, with two in critical condition and others sustaining serious injuries. Despite the chaos, the community expressed gratitude for the fast response from teachers, health services, and local authorities as the search for the bear continued.
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