A grizzly bear is on the loose after attacking a school group in Canada, leaving 11 people injured, two critically.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon on a walking trail in Bella Coola, a town in British Columbia (BC).
Residents have been warned to remain indoors while armed officers try to track down the animal. As of Friday afternoon, four of the injured individuals remain in the hospital, according to BC's Health Services Authority.
A male teacher took the brunt of the attack, and some children were sprayed with bear deterrent as adults attempted to fend off the animal, reported Veronica Schooner, a parent involved in the incident.
Ms. Schooner mentioned her 10-year-old son was part of the group but was not directly attacked. He described how close the bear came, saying it was chasing someone else.
British Columbia Emergency Health Services stated that two individuals were critically injured, while two others suffered serious injuries. Seven additional people received treatment at the scene.
Victims were swiftly transported to a nearby airport for quick airlifting to hospitals. The school group belonged to Acwsalcta School, managed by the indigenous Nuxalk Nation, located approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) north-west of Vancouver.
In an official statement, the Nation urged residents to stay indoors and avoid the highway, reaffirming that officers are armed. They expressed gratitude for their team and students during this challenging period.
The Nation has temporarily closed the school and is providing counseling services to affected individuals.
