Efforts to capture the bears involved in a Bella Coola attack that sent three children and one adult to hospital have continued into Saturday, Nov. 22.<\/p>\n
Additional British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) officers are on scene in the remote northern B.C. community after the grizzly bear attack on Thursday, Nov. 20.<\/p>\n
Based on its investigation to this point, including “witness accounts,” the BCCOS says two additional grizzly bears were seen in the area during the attack, which happened during lunchtime on a school field trip at around 1:35 p.m.<\/p>\n
The victims were part of a group of students and teachers who stopped along a trail near a river when a grizzly bear emerged from the forest.<\/p>\n
BCCOS officials said the investigation on Saturday included the collection of any forensic evidence that could be used to identify the bears.<\/p>\n
In an update, the conservation office also urged people to avoid the 4 Mile area and not to search for the three bears themselves.<\/p>\n
“We can appreciate people want to be involved but this is a fluid and dangerous situation,” said BCCOS Insp. Kevin Van Damme. “For the safety of residents and our officers, please avoid the area and allow them space to do their work.”<\/p>\n
The BCCOS also said it is continuing to work with the Nuxalk Nation, which reminded people that it offers crisis and trauma support via its phone services.<\/p>\n
“We recognize this incident is distressing for the community,” Van Damme said.<\/p>\n
“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. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.”<\/p>\n