Elementary School Class Mauled in Remote B.C. Community
A peaceful nature walk turned into a nightmare for an elementary school class from Bella Coola, British Columbia, when a grizzly bear launched a violent attack on Thursday, November 21, 2025. The incident left eleven people injured, with two victims in critical condition and fighting for their lives.
The class from Acwsalcta School, an independent institution run by the Nuxalk Nation on the central coast, was on a trail near Highway 20 when the attack occurred. B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded to an urgent call for an "animal attack" in the remote area.
Critical Injuries and Heroic Teacher
According to BCEHS spokesperson Brian Twaites, the scene was chaotic. "Two patients were in critical condition and two were in serious condition," Twaites stated, confirming that paramedics provided urgent care before transporting the most severely injured by helicopter.
An additional seven people received medical attention at the scene but did not require hospital transport. A parent of one of the students, Veronica Schooner, provided harrowing details to the Canadian Press, revealing that her 10-year-old son, Alvarez, was in the class.
"He was running for his life," Schooner recounted, adding that her son was so close to the animal he could feel its fur. She described how one male teacher bravely intervened, taking "the whole brunt of it" and was among those airlifted from the scene. Schooner confirmed that three children were among those who suffered major injuries.
Community in Lockdown as Bear Remains at Large
In the aftermath, the Nuxalk Nation Chief and Council took to social media with urgent updates, warning residents that the "aggressive bear" had not been located. They issued strict orders for the community to remain indoors and off the highways, with armed officers patrolling the area.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) and RCMP have established a safety perimeter, directing "all residents to stay out of the forested and river area near the 4 Mile area until further notice." Public safety remains the absolute priority as the search for the dangerous animal continues.
Acwsalcta School announced it would be closed on Friday, expressing profound gratitude for its staff and students during "this very difficult time." The community of Bella Coola, a remote area known for its wildlife, now faces a sobering reality about the wilderness that surrounds them.
