Several possible injuries in grizzly bear attack reported in Bella Coola, RCMP say students may be involve

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Two people are in critical condition and two others are seriously injured after a reported grizzly bear attack in Bella Coola on British Columbia’s Central Coast, according to emergency officials.

B.C. Emergency Health Services says seven additional people were treated at the scene but did not require transport to hospital.

BCEHS said it received a call at 1:46 p.m. PT Thursday about an “animal attack” on a trail near Highway 20. Two ambulances and a community paramedic responded.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) said conservation officers are on scene with RCMP and have ordered residents to stay out of the forested and river area near the 4 Mile area until further notice.

Officials say public safety is the priority as they assess the situation.

Students were reportedly involved, RCMP say

RCMP North District Cpl. Madonna Saunderson confirmed police received reports of the attack around 1:30 p.m. PT Thursday and that it was reported students were involved, though she said officers are still working to determine how many people were injured and their ages.

“We are devastated for the individuals and families impacted by the bear incident,” Nuxalk Nation Chief Samuel Schooner said in a statement.

“All individuals involved are receiving medical support and our priority is to ensure that they are safe.”