The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has called an end to the search for a grizzly bear who attacked a school group in Bella Coola last month.
“This was an extraordinary response to an extraordinary attack,” explained Insp. Kevin Van Damme. “Our investigation determined the behaviour and actions of this bear were aggressive and unlike any other documented grizzly bear attack we have seen in BC, or Canada.”
Since the Nov. 20 attack, conservation officers have captured several grizzlies, but none were linked to the attack through DNA testing.
All four were relocated within their home range, far from the community, in coordination with wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian.
According to the BCCOS, there have been no other grizzly sightings in the area for the past five days and bears are starting to hibernate for the winter.
Based on those factors, conservation officers are no longer actively trying to capture bears and their equipment has been removed.
They’re not just leaving residents high and dry, however, as the BCCOS led an information session on the incident late last week that was attended by over 100 people.
“We welcomed the opportunity to further connect with residents, outline the steps we have taken and try to answer any questions,” Van Damme said.
“We remain committed to the community, continue to support the Nuxalk Nation and will closely monitor and respond to any concerning bear activity going forward.”
Three children and a teacher suffered serious injuries when the grizzly bear attacked the school group in Bella Coola on Nov. 20.
No further updates have been publicly provided on their health, but a GoFundMe to support their recovery and the community at large raised just over $107,000.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of the BCCOS.
