British Columbia conservation officers have officially suspended the search for a grizzly bear responsible for a frightening attack on a group of schoolchildren and their teachers last month. The decision marks the end of an intensive ground operation that began immediately after the incident.
The Attack and Immediate Response
The encounter occurred on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in the wilderness area near Bella Coola. A party of students and educators was surprised by the bear, leading to the attack. Following the event, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service launched a significant search effort to locate the animal.
Teams were deployed into the region, with officers meticulously tracking signs of the bear. This included measuring footprints and other evidence found in the terrain. The primary goal was to assess the ongoing risk to public safety and to manage the situation proactively.
Why the Search Was Called Off
After days of sustained pursuit without further sightings or evidence of the bear's continued threat in the immediate area, authorities made the difficult choice to call off the active search. This decision is standard protocol when an animal is no longer posing an imminent danger and has likely returned to its natural habitat deep within the remote wilderness surrounding Bella Coola.
The service emphasizes that while the formal search has ended, officers remain vigilant. The area is being monitored, and the public is advised to continue practicing strict bear safety protocols. This includes carrying bear spray, making noise while on trails, and properly storing all food and attractants.
Community Impact and Safety Reminders
The attack has understandably raised concerns within the local community and among outdoor groups. It serves as a stark reminder of the powerful wildlife that inhabits British Columbia's vast forests and coastal regions.
Conservation officers are urging anyone planning activities in the Bella Coola region or similar backcountry areas to be hyper-aware of their surroundings. Encounters with large predators like grizzly bears, while rare, can be dangerous. Officials recommend traveling in groups, staying on designated paths, and knowing how to use bear deterrents effectively.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service continues to be the lead agency for human-wildlife conflicts in the province. They encourage residents and visitors to report any aggressive or threatening bear behaviour immediately to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline.
