(UPDATE: Nov. 25 @ 4:30 pm) - Another grizzly bear has been captured in Bella Coola.
An update from the BC Conservation Officer Service says the second bear was captured on Monday and is currently being assessed.
"Preliminary evidence is not conclusive that the captured bear was involved in the attack," the update says.
Like the first bear that was captured Monday morning, the animal will be fitted with a GPS collar and relocated within its home range but "far from the community."
The relocation decision will be made in coordination with wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian.
Conservation officers are still trying to find and capture two grizzly bears in the area.
(UPDATE: Nov. 24 @ 1:40 pm) - A grizzly bear was safely captured in Bella Coola this morning.
However, "evidence is not conclusive" that the captured bear was the one involved in Thursday's attack on a group of elementary school students.
Conservation officers came to this conclusion, or lack thereof, after assessing the animal, which included comparing attack scene evidence with evidence analyzed from the captured bear.
Since there was no conclusive evidence linking the bear to the attack, it will instead be fitted with a GPS collar and relocated. That will be done in coordination with wildlife biologists and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship's wildlife veterinarian.
In the meantime, conservation officers will continue their efforts to find and capture three other grizzly bears in the area.
“These bears are still considered a danger to the public and we ask residents to avoid the 4 Mile area, stay indoors and not search for the bears themselves,” explained Insp. Kevin Van Damme with the BC Conservation Officer Service.
“The situation remains fluid as officers work tirelessly to capture and identify any bears involved. We also continue to support the Nuxalk Nation throughout these efforts."
Any bear sightings in the Bella Coola area should be reported to the RAPP line by calling 1-877-952-7277.
(UPDATE: Nov. 23 at 4:46 pm): Officials in Bella Coola continue to search for the bear that attacked a group of elementary school students last week.
Crews rotated throughout the night looking for the offending female grizzly and the two young bears spotted near the incident, but came up empty-handed. The search continued on Sunday and there was still no luck.
Residents in the area are reminded to avoid the 4 Mile area and stay indoors as officials continue to search for the female grizzly and two young bears.
“We continue to work collaboratively with the Nuxalk Nation to share updates and provide support as needed,” said Insp. Kevin Van Damme.
“We also again urge people to not join in search efforts themselves, due to the public safety risk.”
(Original story: Nov. 22 at 1:55 pm): Officials in Bella Coola on BC’s coast are now searching for three bears after a group of elementary school kids and teachers were attacked on Thursday.
In the latest update from the BC Conservation Officer Service, the agency announced that more officers were arriving in the area today as the investigation into Thursday’s attack continues.
“Based on investigative efforts to date, including witness accounts, two additional grizzly bears were seen in the area during the attack,” wrote the service.
“Trapping efforts to capture and assess all three bears are ongoing. The investigation includes the collection of any forensic evidence that can be used to identify the bears involved.”
The services added that the RCMP is assisting with the search by using thermal imaging and residents should avoid the 4 Mile area, stay indoors and not search for the bears themselves.
“We can appreciate people want to be involved, but this is a fluid and dangerous situation,” said Insp. Kevin Van Damme.
“For the safety of residents and our officers, please avoid the area and allow them space to do their work.”
Reports from Friday stated that the elementary school children and teachers were attacked by a grizzly bear while eating lunch near a river on Thursday.
Multiple teachers intervened, using bear spray and a bear banger to drive the attacking bear away from the group.
According to the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), paramedics were called just before 2 pm on Thursday for a report of an animal attack.
"Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to four patients and transported them to hospital," a BCEHS statement said. "Two patients were in critical condition and two were in serious condition."
The BCEHS added that seven other people were cared for at the scene, but did not need to be taken to the hospital.
