BURST
Authorities in Bella Coola are urging people to stay indoors Thursday night after a bear attack left several people injured around 1:30 p.m. The bear involved in the attack has not been found, and armed RCMP and B.C. Conservation Service Officers have responded to the scene, a forested river area near 4 Mile.
Police weren’t able to confirm the number of injuries, but said they were “severe and serious.” The age of the victims hasn’t been confirmed either, with the police saying they were students from the area.
Posts on the Nuxalk Nation Chief and Council Facebook page have told people not to walk anywhere until the bear has been found. It’s not known whether the bear was a black bear or grizzly.
“There has been a bear incident near 4 Mile. For the safety of all, please stay indoors, off the highway near the administration office, and off all trails,” Stutwiniitscw, Chief Samuel Schooner said in a post.
“First responders are on site along with healers. Please stay clear as they do their work.”
Several posts on the page claim the injured were from a group of elementary schoolchildren who were out on a field trip.
Bears can be aggressive and predatory at this time of year, as they try to boost their fat stores prior to hibernation.
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