One teacher on crutches, a second adult with bear spray and a third man who punched and kicked a grizzly bear despite serious injuries are being praised for their actions that saved a school group attacked by a bear near Bella Coola, British Columbia.
Four people, including children, were hospitalized on Thursday after bear attack about Nuxwalk students and teachers on a school trip near Avalkta School, east of a remote village.
Another seven received medical treatment on site.
“When the children were attacked, one of my cousins, who had his skull ruptured, ran up to the bear and jumped on it with his bare hands,” said Noel Putlass, a hereditary chief of the Nuxalk First Nation.
“He started punching and kicking him,” Putlass told Global News on Saturday.
Putlass said another teacher poured two cans of bear spray into the animal's eyes, noting that it “didn't even bother him, didn't do anything to the bear.”
Get the latest national news
For breaking news updates affecting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you as they happen.
Putlass said a third teacher joined the rescue efforts.
“Another woman, a teacher on crutches, hit him in the eyes, in the face, in the head for several minutes and then the bear finally flew away,” he explained.
He added that several students managed to escape the attack but were injured while running away from the bear.
Three more BC Conservation Service (BCCOS) officers were dispatched to Bella Coola on Saturday, joining five officers already on the scene to track the bear and build a clearer picture of how the attack unfolded.
The RCMP are also helping BCCOS track the animal using air support.
Authorities urged residents to avoid the Four Mile area, stay home and not look for bears on their own.
“We understand that people want to participate, but this is a volatile and dangerous situation,” said Inspector Kevin Van Damme of BCCOS.
“For the safety of residents and our officers, please avoid the area and give them space to work.”
“I am amazed at the heroism and bravery they showed in protecting the children,” Putlass said.
“One of them had 100 stitches, a broken shoulder, a broken elbow, a broken ankle,” Putlass said, adding, “It’s amazing that none of them died.”
Nuxalk First Nation said it is taking steps to ensure those affected have access to the medical and spiritual healing available to them.
Bella Coola is located on the central coast of British Columbia, approximately 330 km southeast of Prince Rupert as the crow flies.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
