A group of schoolchildren and teachers were attacked by a grizzly bear Thursday, November 20, 2025, while on a trail walk. According to the Associated Press, 11 people were injured in the attack, including two who suffered critical injuries. The attack took place in Bella Coola, roughly 700 kilometers (435 miles) northwest of Vancouver. The Nuxalk Nation says the “aggressive bear” remained on the loose as of Thursday night.
“Officers are armed. Remain indoors and off the highway,” the First Nation said in a social media post.
Veronica Schooner, a parent of one of the children involved, said several people tried to stop the bear, but one male teacher endured the majority of the attack. That teacher was part of a group of victims that were airlifted from the scene.
Some of the students were hit with bear spray while the teachers fought off the bear.
Schooner says her 10-year-old son was so close to the bear during the attack that the child could feel the animal’s fur. While her son suffered a minor injury in the attack, Schooner says the boy is mostly concerned for his classmates.
“He keeps crying for his friends, and oh my goodness, right away he started praying for his friends,” Schooner said.
The Acwsalcta School, an independent school run by Nuxalk First Nation, said in a social media post that the school would be closed Friday.
“It’s hard to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful for our team and our students,” the post said.
-by Matt Durr
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