Four people, including three children, were injured after a grizzly bear attacked a group of students and teachers in a small B.C. community.
The incident happened on Nov. 20 in Bella Coola, on B.C.’s central coast, about 700 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.
B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) said it responded to a call of an animal attack just before 2 p.m. Two ambulances and a community paramedic responded to the scene, BCEHS told The Epoch Times in an email.
“Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to four patients and transported them to hospital,” the statement said.
Two of the patients were deemed to be in critical condition and two were in serious condition.
Officials confirmed on Nov. 21 that three of those individuals were children.
Seven other people were treated at the scene but did not need to go to the hospital, BCEHS said.
It said that aircraft were not able to land in the community due to weather conditions and patients were transported by ground ambulance to Williams Lake Airport, where critical care paramedics transported them to hospital via air ambulance.
The four patients remain in hospital, according to the statement. The families of those injured have asked for privacy, and BC Emergency Health Services said it would not be sharing details about the patients’ conditions at this time.
“We are thinking of all the patients, families, community members, first responders, healthcare workers and others impacted by the tragic incident in Bella Coola yesterday. We are wishing everyone involved peace, strength, and healing,” BCEHS said.
North District RCMP told The Epoch Times they received a call about the attack around 1:35 p.m. on Nov. 20.
“The attack occurred on what has been called the ‘Old Trail,’” Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said.
She said that B.C. Conservation had been engaged in the incident.
The Nuxalk Nation, which is in the region, advised its community to stay indoors due to the attack.
“To our students: we are so proud of the way you supported one another, listened to instructions, and were together as a community. Today was frightening, and your resilience is truly admirable.”
It also said that thoughts and heartfelt prayers were with the staff and students that were injured.
“No one handles experiences like this alone, and we are committed to providing the emotional support and resources needed in the days and weeks ahead.”
B.C. Conservation Officer Service officials said conservation officers were deployed to try and capture the bear. They advised members of the public to avoid the area.
