Four people were sent to hospital after reports of grizzly bear attack in Bella Coola Thursday.
BC Emergency Health Services says it received a call at 1:46 p.m. about an animal attack on a trail near Highway 20.
“Two ambulances and a paramedic attended the scene. Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to four patients and took them to hospital.” said Brian Thwaites, EHS public affairs paramedic.
“Ttwo patients were in critical condition, two were in serious condition. A further seven people were treated at the scene but did not require transport to hospital.”
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EHS worked with the Joint Rescue Coordination Center to transport victims to the hospital due to the weather conditions, Thwaites said.
The victims of the attack were students from a nearby school, according to Northern District RCMP Corporal Madonna Saunderson.
Acwsalcta School in Bella Coola said it will be closed Friday due to the bear incident and will provide support to those who need it.
The BC Conservation Service said it was on the scene with the RCMP and asked residents to stay away from wooded areas and river areas near the 4-mile portion of the community until further notice.
Rumors of the attack first surfaced on Nuxalk Nation social media, where it was reported that a “bear incident” occurred within a 4-mile radius. They later reported that an aggressive bear was in the area and warned residents not to look for it.
In a statement, Nuxalk State Chief Samuel Schooner said, “We are devastated for the people and families affected by the bear incident.”
“All individuals involved are receiving medical support and our priority is to ensure their safety. I have been in contact with the affected family members and my team and I are in the process of gathering more information to share with our community.”
The First Nation says the bear had not been located as of Thursday evening.
