A group of schoolchildren and their teachers faced a harrowing encounter when a grizzly bear attacked them on a hiking trail in British Columbia, Canada. The incident left 11 individuals injured, with two suffering critical injuries.

The unexpected attack occurred Thursday afternoon in Bella Coola, located approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver. According to the Nuxalk Nation, the “aggressive bear” was still at large by that evening, prompting a swift response from police and conservation officers.

“Officers are armed. Remain indoors and off the highway,” advised the First Nation through a social media announcement, urging residents to exercise caution.

Brian Twaites, spokesperson for Emergency Health Services, reported that two people sustained critical injuries while two others were seriously hurt. The remaining individuals received medical attention on-site.

Veronica Schooner, a parent, shared that many tried to intervene during the attack, but a male teacher bore the brunt of the assault. He was among those airlifted from the scene for further treatment.

Schooner’s 10-year-old son Alvarez was in the class of fourth- and fifth-graders that was attacked and was so close to the animal “he even felt its fur,” she said.

“He said that bear ran so close to him, but it was going after somebody else,” Schooner said.

She added that some children were hit with bear spray as the teachers fought off the bear and Alvarez was limping and his shoes muddy from running for safety. Her son’s thoughts, however, were with his classmates.

“He keeps crying for his friends, and oh my goodness, right away he started praying for his friends,” she added.

Acwsalcta School, an independent school run by Nuxalk First Nation in Bella Coola, said in a Facebook post that the school will be closed on Friday and counseling made available.

“It’s hard to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful for our team and our students,” the post said.