A group of students and teachers from the Acwsalcta School, a First Nations indigenous school in Bella Coola, British Columbia, were mauled by a grizzly bear during a hike on Thursday afternoon. The attack occurred along a trail in Bella Coola on the Central Coast.
Teachers reportedly attempted to defend the students from the bear. Four individuals sustained severe injuries and were transported to a hospital, with two in critical condition and two in serious condition.
Seven others received treatment at the scene. One teacher bore the brunt of the attack and was airlifted by helicopter along with other victims.
The Acwsalcta School announced it would be closed on Friday following the incident. A parent of a student described the terrifying experience, with her son reportedly running for his life and feeling the bear's fur.
The bear remains at large, with Canadian authorities unsure of its current location.
