January 1, Teachers Battle Grizzly to Save Schoolkids

Wyatt’s Take

• A group of teachers in British Columbia stopped a grizzly bear attack.
• Eleven people, including young students, were hurt.
• Authorities praise the teachers’ quick thinking and courage.

A school group was walking a trail near Bella Coola, British Columbia when a grizzly bear charged out of the woods and attacked. The teachers on the trip used pepper spray and a bear banger to scare off the animal, keeping things from getting worse.

Officials said eleven people were injured, with children as young as fourth and fifth graders among them. Two people remain in critical condition while two others are in serious shape. Seven of the group got first aid right on the trail.

The town, more than 400 miles north of Vancouver, rushed the victims to a local hospital before sending the most badly hurt on to bigger facilities. As of Friday, the bear hadn’t been found yet.

“Teachers successfully repelled the bear using pepper spray and a bear banger,” said Insp. Kevin Van Damme of British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service. He added, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.” Tamara Davidson, the province’s Minister of Environment and Parks, called the teachers “true heroes” for staying calm and acting fast.

Officials are keeping close contact with locals and working to keep everyone safe while the search for the bear goes on.

This story reminds us that even a normal day outdoors can turn dangerous fast, and folks need to stay prepared for anything. Country teachers showed heart and clear heads – something we all value in hard times.

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Wyatt Matters

This brave response shows what grit and quick action in a crisis look like—qualities at the heart of every tight-knit American community.