BELLA COOLA – A devastating grizzly bear attack in the small central coast community of Bella Coola, British Columbia, left two elementary school students critically injured, alongside two other individuals who sustained serious injuries. An additional seven people received treatment at the scene, marking a tragic incident that sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
B.C. Emergency Health Services reported that they received an urgent call concerning an animal attack shortly before 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Bella Coola is located approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, situated in a remote area known for its rich natural environment.
According to RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Madonna Saunderson, the attack involved multiple students from a local elementary school. A mother of one of the children recounted how the teachers bravely intervened to fend off the grizzly bear, which local Indigenous group, the Nuxalk Nation, claims is still roaming the area. The situation underscores the dangers that wildlife can pose to communities living in close proximity to nature.
Veronica Schooner, mother of a student named Alvarez, described the frightening scene, noting that numerous individuals attempted to stop the attack. She emphasized the bravery of one male teacher, who bore the brunt of the attack and was among those airlifted from the scene due to the severity of his injuries. Schooner expressed her concern over her son’s emotional state following the traumatic event, as he witnessed the chaos and injury inflicted on his friends during the bear's rampage. She mentioned that three children were among those who sustained major injuries.
In response to the attack and given the poor weather conditions in the area, Emergency Health Services spokesperson Brian Twaites stated that they coordinated with the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre for air transportation assistance. This decision was vital for the swift medical evacuation of those severely injured, particularly in a remote location where ground transportation could be severely hampered by inclement weather.
This incident serves as a complex reminder of the interactions between humans and wildlife in British Columbia, where encounters with bears are not uncommon, yet rarely escalate to such catastrophic events. The community of Bella Coola is now grappling with the aftermath while reinforcing protective measures to ensure the safety of its residents, especially the children. As investigations continue, the local authorities are emphasizing the importance of educating the public about safety in bear-prone areas to prevent future attacks.
The alarming nature of this attack has ignited discussions on wildlife management and community preparedness regarding potential grizzly bear encounters. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of bears in the vicinity to avoid further tragedies. The brave actions of the teachers during the crisis have been commended, showcasing their commitment to protecting their students amidst a life-threatening situation.
