Bella Coola, British Columbia, is on edge after a horrifying grizzly bear attack left a group of primary school children and their teachers traumatized and injured. The quiet Thursday afternoon turned into a nightmare when a massive grizzly suddenly emerged, sending pupils scrambling for their lives.
Four individuals were left in serious condition, requiring hospitalisation, while an additional seven received treatment at the scene of the terrifying incident. Veronica Schooner’s 10-year-old son, Alvarez, was part of the Year 4-5 class targeted during their walk. He described the bear running so close he “even felt its fur” as he ran “for his life.” In a display of incredible bravery, a male teacher reportedly took “the whole brunt of it” from the ferocious animal, suffering severe injuries while attempting to protect the children.
The aftermath saw a school in shock, filled with crying students and anxious parents. Alvarez, though physically unharmed, is deeply “traumatized” by the close call.
As of Monday, the dangerous grizzly remains at large, keeping the community on high alert. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service has escalated its search, deploying additional officers, traps, and even a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Air Services helicopter equipped with thermal imaging cameras. Any bears captured will undergo DNA testing to confirm their involvement before next steps are decided. Officers are also tracking two other bears seen in the vicinity.
Inspector Kevin Van Damme has issued a strong warning to locals: “I really need to stress how dangerous this situation is with this bear at large.” Residents are urged to avoid the area, stay indoors, and only travel by vehicle to ensure their safety and allow officers to conduct their critical work. The hunt continues for this dangerous animal, as Bella Coola anxiously awaits its capture.
Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/grizzly-bear-savaged-school-kids-36300877
