Grizzly attacks several B.C. students, injuries ‘very serious,’ RCMP say

By Canadian Press on November 20, 2025.

BELLA COOLA — RCMP say a grizzly bear has attacked several students on British Columbia’s central coast, inflicting “very serious” injuries.

North District RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson says the attack happened on Thursday afternoon, but she didn’t know the age or gender of the students.

B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service says the attack happened in the community of Bella Coola, about 700 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.

The Nuxalk Nation says in a statement that “officers are armed” and people need to remain indoors and off the highway.

The nation posted on its social media site that first responders are on the scene of the attack along with healers.

The nation warns in the post that the “aggressive bear” remained in the area.

“Do not go looking for it,” the post says.

“It is understandable if you are feeling stressed and scared. Support is available at the youth centre,” it says.

Saunderson says the victims suffered injuries that are “very serious at the very least.”