Overview
- The bear remains at large as BC Conservation Officer Service and RCMP continue ground searches, warn residents to stay indoors, and restrict the forested 4 Mile area near Highway 20.
- Four victims — three children and one adult — are hospitalized after being airlifted for care, with authorities previously listing two in critical condition and two in serious condition and families requesting privacy.
- Investigators say the grizzly emerged from the forest and attacked a group of fourth- and fifth-graders and teachers; staff used bear spray and a bear banger to drive it off.
- Conservation officers have set traps and interviewed witnesses, noting a wounded bear was seen nearby but not confirmed to be the offender, and calling such an attack on a large group extremely rare.
- Acwsalcta School is closed and counseling is being provided as Nuxalk Nation leaders and provincial officials praise teachers’ actions and urge community caution.