Grizzly bear on loose after attacking school group in Canada, injuring 11

A grizzly bear attacked a school group in Canada and injured 11 people, 2 of them seriously.

The incident took place on a hiking trail in the town of Bella Coola, British Columbia (BC), on Thursday afternoon.

Residents were warned to stay indoors as armed police tried to track the animal. The BC Health Services Authority said four of the injured remained in hospital as of Friday afternoon.

Speaking to the Canadian press, parent Veronica Schooner said that “the male teacher was hit the hardest” and that some children were sprayed with bear spray as adults tried to fend off the animal.

Ms Schooner said her 10-year-old son was part of his school group, although he was not attacked.

“He said that the bear was very close to him, but it was going after someone else,” the woman said, adding that “he even felt its fur.”

British Columbia Emergency Medical Services said in a statement to the BBC that two people were seriously injured, two people were seriously injured and seven people were treated at the scene.

Authorities said patients had to be transported to a nearby airport so they could be taken to the nearest hospital.

The group came from Acwsalcta School, run by the indigenous Nuxalk Nation in the town located 700 km (435 miles) northwest of Vancouver.

“Officers are armed,” the Nation wrote on Facebook. “Stay inside and off the highway.”

“It is very difficult to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful to our staff and students.”

National authorities temporarily closed the school, providing counseling services.