Grizzly Bear Attack Injures 11 Students on British Columbia School Trail

BELLA COOLA, British Columbia — November 23, 2025 — Eleven students were injured after a grizzly bear attacked a school group hiking on a trail near Bella Coola, British Columbia, officials said Saturday. Teachers accompanying the group successfully repelled the bear using pepper spray and a bear banger device, preventing further harm.

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when the group was hiking through a forested area known for wildlife activity. According to authorities, the grizzly bear approached the students and teachers before launching an attack, resulting in multiple injuries among the children.

Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene following a distress call from the teachers. The injured students were treated on site and then transported to nearby medical facilities for further care. Officials reported that none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Teachers were credited with quick thinking and effective use of bear deterrent tools, which helped to drive the bear away and protect the students from more serious harm. The bear banger, a device that produces loud noises to scare off wildlife, along with pepper spray, were instrumental in ending the encounter.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and are reviewing safety protocols for school outings in bear country. Wildlife experts noted that while grizzly bear encounters are rare, they can be dangerous and require preparedness when traveling in known habitats.

The school district expressed gratitude toward the teachers for their actions during the incident. “Their response was crucial in ensuring the safety of the students,” a district spokesperson said. They also confirmed that counseling services would be made available to students and staff affected by the event.

Officials reminded the public that when hiking in areas inhabited by bears, it is important to carry deterrents such as bear spray and to remain vigilant. They also advised that groups should be trained in how to respond to wildlife encounters to reduce risks.

No further attacks have been reported in the area since the incident, and wildlife officers are monitoring the bear population to prevent future conflicts. The community of Bella Coola continues to assess the situation and plans to enhance safety measures for outdoor activities involving children.

This event highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing outdoor education and recreation with wildlife safety in regions where large predators are present.