Teams from the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service are conducting an extensive search for a grizzly bear believed to have attacked an elementary school group in Bella Coola. The search, which began soon after the incident on Thursday, involves conservation officers rotating throughout the night to locate the female bear and her two cubs. To enhance their efforts, the search is being supported by an RCMP aircraft equipped with thermal imaging cameras.
Insp. Kevin Van Damme, representing the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, emphasized the collaboration with the Nuxalk Nation and the importance of keeping the public informed while urging people not to participate in the search efforts. He highlighted the significant public safety risks involved in such actions. The attack resulted in three pupils and a teacher requiring hospitalization for serious injuries, prompting swift response efforts from local authorities.
At the time of the bear attack, around 20 students and staff from the elementary school were on a field trip, enjoying lunch in a remote area approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver. Following the incident, a cultural fire has been maintained outside the community's youth center, symbolizing community solidarity and support for those affected. This fire is expected to continue until Monday, providing a space for healing and remembrance.
In response to the needs of the injured students and teacher’s families, a GoFundMe page initiated by the Nuxalk Nation has seen remarkable support, raising nearly $40,000 within the first 24 hours of its launch. The funds raised are intended to assist with medical expenses and related costs for the affected families, as well as facilitate community healing efforts. The fundraising post described the attack as "unprecedented," noting that it occurred even though the group was adhering to standard safety procedures and that teachers bravely attempted to fend off the aggressive bear.
Conservation officers have indicated that they are utilizing a variety of tools in their efforts to identify the bears involved in the attack, including the potential forensic matching of DNA evidence. This rigorous approach aims to ensure that the correct animals are confirmed as being involved in the incident. A statement released on Sunday mentioned that any bears that are captured during the search will undergo thorough assessments in consultation with biologists and the provincial veterinarian to determine appropriate next steps, balancing public safety with wildlife management.
The situation surrounding this bear attack has deeply affected the Bella Coola community and raised awareness regarding wildlife interactions. The community’s longstanding relationship with bears has been challenged by this tragic incident, leaving residents in shock and reflecting on the need for continued education regarding bear safety and interaction. As the search efforts continue, the hope is to foster healing within the community and ensure the safety of its members moving forward.
