Conservation officers in British Columbia worked tirelessly through the night to locate a grizzly bear that attacked a group of elementary school students. The search operation in Bella Coola, which also involves an RCMP aircraft equipped with thermal imaging cameras, is ongoing.
According to a recent update from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, teams are cooperating with the Nuxalk Nation to share information and offer assistance. Insp. Kevin Van Damme emphasized the importance of not risking public safety by attempting to join the search efforts independently.
Following the incident last Thursday, where three students and a teacher were injured, efforts to locate the female bear and her two cubs have been intensified. The attack occurred during a field trip in the remote community, located approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver.
In response to the incident, a cultural fire has been lit outside the community’s youth center, symbolizing unity and support during this challenging time. Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign initiated by the Nuxalk Nation has raised nearly $40,000 within 24 hours to aid the injured individuals and their families, as well as support community healing.
Despite the group adhering to safety protocols and the teachers’ brave actions in defending against the bear, this unprecedented attack has left the community in shock. Conservation officers are utilizing various methods, including DNA analysis, to identify the bears involved in the attacks.
Any bears captured will undergo assessment in collaboration with biologists and the provincial veterinarian. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of the community and preventing further incidents involving wildlife.