British Columbia conservation officers have delivered a significant update in the investigation of a terrifying bear attack on a school group in Bella Coola, announcing that four grizzly bears recently captured are not responsible for the incident.
Forensic Evidence Provides Crucial Breakthrough
In a social media update issued on Friday, November 29, 2025, the Conservation Officer Service revealed that forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, has definitively ruled out the four captured grizzlies. Two of these bears were apprehended on Monday, with the other two captured on Thursday.
Authorities confirmed that, in coordination with wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian, the cleared bears will be relocated within their home range in the coming days, positioned far from the community for everyone's safety.
Ongoing Search and Community Safety Measures
The urgent search continues for the three grizzly bears that seriously injured three students and a teacher from Acwsalcta School last week. All four victims required airlifting to Vancouver for serious medical treatment, though no recent update on their condition has been provided.
Conservation officers are reiterating their plea for the public to avoid the 4 Mile area, stay indoors, and refrain from independently searching for the bears. The service has committed to continuously monitoring bear activity in the Bella Coola area to ensure public safety.
A Pattern of Human-Wildlife Conflict
This serious incident highlights a growing concern in the region. According to the Ministry of Environment, there have been 24 calls regarding human-wildlife conflicts involving grizzly bears in the Bella Coola area this year alone. A disturbing 18 of those calls occurred within the last three months.
In response to the tragedy, Nuxalk Nation elected Chief Samuel Schooner has asked those wishing to support the victims to contribute to a GoFundMe campaign established to aid the families of those injured.
