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In a remarkable display of courage, teachers in British Columbia, Canada, successfully defended a school group from a grizzly bear attack on Thursday, as reported by local authorities.
According to an update shared by Inspector Kevin Van Damme of the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service, the incident occurred when the group paused along a trail near a local community. It was then that a grizzly bear suddenly appeared from the forest and launched an attack. The quick-thinking teachers managed to drive the bear away by using pepper spray and a bear banger.
The attack left eleven people injured, including fourth and fifth-grade students, CBC News reported.
Out of those injured, two individuals were in critical condition, another two sustained serious injuries, and seven received medical attention at the scene, as confirmed by the British Columbia Health Services.
The Conservation Officer Service reiterated that the grizzly bear emerged from the woods and attacked, underscoring the bravery of the teachers in a potentially deadly situation.
The incident happened in Bella Coola, a town more than 400 miles north of Vancouver.
The victims were taken to Bella Coola Hospital and were being transferred to Vancouver for further care, Van Damme said.
Officials were still searching for the bear as of Friday, who they believe may have been previously injured.
“We recognize this incident is distressing for the community. We are in close contact with the Nuxalk Nation as our investigation continues. We thank them for their collaborative efforts to ensure community awareness and shared safety information,” Van Damme said. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.”
Bella Coola is more than 400 miles north of Vancouver in British Columbia. (Google Maps)
Tamara Davidson, British Columbia’s Minister of Environment and Parks, called the teachers who fought off the bear “true heroes,” adding that they were well-prepared, according to the Guardian.