British Columbia | A dozen schoolchildren injured in grizzly bear attack
Traumatic scene in British Columbia: a grizzly bear attacked a group of schoolchildren and teachers on a hiking trail on Thursday afternoon. At least 11 people were injured. Two of them are in critical condition.
The assault occurred in Bella Colla, on the central coast of British Columbia, about 700 km northwest of the city of Vancouver. A group of students of 4e et 5e year in elementary school was going for a hike in the early afternoon when the animal went on the offensive. Several teachers used bear repellent and scare devices to chase away the animal, according to Global News.
Seven people among the injured were treated at the scene and avoided hospitalization, according to British Columbia Emergency Health Services.
The grizzly bear is still on the loose. The council of the Nuxalk Indigenous Nation in the area urged residents to avoid the scene of the attack, in a post on social media.
“We are all deeply affected by the bear attack that affected our children and so many loved ones. Those who immediately came to the aid of the injured showed courage, love and great compassion,” commented Nation Leader Samuel Schooner in a post on social media Friday evening.
“In these difficult times, let us show kindness to each other. A simple hug can make all the difference,” he added.
Acwsalcta primary school, attended by the victims, remained closed on Friday.
“To our students: We are so proud of the way you supported each other, listened to instructions, and held together as a family,” the school board shared Friday.
Succumbing to his wounds
Less than a month ago, another grizzly bear attack caused the death of a 63-year-old man, still in British Columbia.
Joe Pendry, a 63-year-old hunting guide, encountered one of these animals on October 2, in the Cranbrook region. He took a big risk by approaching the cubs of a female grizzly bear.
She rushed at him, throwing her hunting rifle more than 6 meters away. At least that’s what the main person told his wife, who shared his story with Radio-Canada, before he passed away.
The man’s head would have ended up in the grizzly bear’s mouth. He reportedly suffered fractures to his cheekbones, arms and ribs. His scalp was torn off, and he reportedly lost a finger.
A former amateur boxer, the man allegedly beat the bear, forcing it to flee. He then managed to shoot a bullet in his paw. The grizzly bear was found dead a few days later from septicemia.
The hunter was also overtaken by his injuries: he died around twenty days after the altercation, from a blood clot.
During the month of October, grizzly bears move far from their usual area. They try to eat as much as possible before hibernation.
