A grizzly bear attacked a group of elementary school students in Bella Coola, in B.C.'s Central Coast region. A total of 11 people were injured in the incident, with two in critical condition and two others seriously injured.

According to BC Emergency Health Services, seven people were treated at the scene. The incident is believed to have occurred around 2 p.m. Thursday.

According to eyewitnesses, several people tried to stop the bear and a male teacher confronted the bear and suffered serious injuries. According to information, this teacher was taken to the hospital by helicopter.

The Bella Coola area is located about 700 kilometers from Vancouver.

Inspector Kevin Van Damme from the BC Conservation Officer Service said some injured people are being moved to Vancouver and efforts are underway to capture the bear.

Speaking about the incident today, Premier David Eby thanked the teachers for their bravery.

There have been several bear attacks in B.C. in the past two months.

• On Sept. 29 a grizzly attacked a hunter in the Fort St. James area.
• On October 2, a grizzly bear mother, who was with her two cubs, attacked a hunter. The hunter managed to defend himself at the scene but was seriously injured. Unfortunately, despite multiple surgeries, the hunter died three weeks later.
• Two hikers were injured in a similar grizzly attack near Prince George on Oct. 12.

The BC Conservation Officer Service is appealing to hikers and hunters, “be vigilant and if possible, travel in groups, keep your food safe, and keep bear spray nearby.”