Teachers fight off grizzly bear attacking students in British Columbia: ‘Heroes’
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Teachers fended off a grizzly bear that attacked a school group walking along a trail in British Columbia, Canada, on Thursday, authorities said.
“The group had stopped on a trail near the community when a grizzly bear emerged from the woods and attacked,” the investigator said. Kevin Van Damme of the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said in an update on social media. “Teachers successfully removed the bear using pepper spray and bear basher.”
According to CBC News, 11 people were injured in the attack, including fourth and fifth grade students.
British Columbia Health Services said two people were in critical condition, two were in serious condition and seven others were treated at the scene.
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The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said grizzly bears emerged from the forest and were “attacked.” (Matthew Bailey/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The incident occurred in the town of Bella Coola, 400 miles north of Vancouver.
The victims were taken to Bella Coola Hospital and transported to Vancouver for further care, Van Damme said.
Authorities continue to search for the bear, which they believe may have been injured before, as of Friday.
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“We recognize that this incident is distressing for the community. We are in close contact with the Nuxalk Nation as our investigation continues. We thank them for their collaborative efforts to raise community awareness and share safety information,” Van Damme said. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.”
Bella Coola is located 640 kilometers north of Vancouver, British Columbia. (Google Maps)
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British Columbia Environment and Parks Minister Tamara Davidson called the bear-fighting teachers “real heroes” and added that they were well prepared, according to the Guardian.
