Conservation officers capture two more grizzlies as investigation continues into Bella Coola attack

Provincial conservation officers have captured two additional grizzly bears on British Columbia’s central coast as the search continues for the animal responsible for last week’s attack on a group of schoolchildren and their teachers near Bella Coola. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says the bears are being held for assessment while forensic evidence from the attack site undergoes analysis.

The incident left three students and a teacher with serious injuries during a field trip involving about 20 participants. Authorities believe a grizzly sow and two cubs may have been involved, and two other bears were previously trapped as part of the investigation.

Officers are using drones equipped with thermal imaging to sweep the area’s dense terrain, hoping to identify any bears that may match forensic findings. Officials say animals found not to be connected with the attack will be released at a safe distance from Bella Coola.

Local residents and visitors are being urged to stay away from the search zone and not attempt to locate the bears on their own, as conservation staff continue efforts to determine what led to the encounter and to prevent further risk to the community.