Horror as bear attacks ‘screaming’ school kids with two people ‘fighting for life’ | World | News

Eleven people were injured after a grizzly bear attacked schoolchildren in Canada, leaving terrified children “screaming and crying”. A little boy who was attacked by a bear was so close to the animal that he “even felt its fur” as he ran for his life.

The horror occurred just before 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, when a grizzly bear attacked a group of elementary school children in Bella Coola, about 435 miles from Vancouver. BC Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene of an “animal attack” on a road near Highway 20 at 1:46 p.m. Two people were seriously injured and two others were seriously injured.

Emergency services reported that seven more people were being treated at the scene of the attack. Taking on the “full brunt” of the bears’ power, a brave teacher sprang into action and tried to protect terrified young schoolchildren.

Concerned man Veronica Schooner said the male teacher was among those airlifted to hospital and many people tried to stop the attack.

He told the Canadian press that his 10-year-old son Alvarez was in the 4th and 5th grades. He said he was “traumatized” after the attack on his homeroom.

He said: “He said the bear came very close to him but went after someone else.”

“Everyone at school was in shock. A lot of people were crying and I don’t know, I just wanted my son, I grabbed him and then I took him home.”

The Nuxalk Nation said Thursday evening that the “offensive bear” was not on the loose and police and conservation officers were at the scene.

“Officers are armed. Stay inside and off the highway,” the First Nation said in a social media post.

“It’s understandable if you’re feeling stressed and scared,” he said, adding that a variety of transport options were available for locals to avoid walking in the area.

Northern Territory RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said she did not know the age and gender of the students. He stated that the victims’ injuries were “very serious, at least.”

Acwsalcta Schoo’s Facebook post states that the incident involved members of the school community. The school announced it would be closed Friday due to a “bear incident.”

“It’s hard to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful to our staff and students,” the post said.