Mom’s 10-Year-Old Was So Close to Attacking Grizzly That He ‘Felt Its Fur,’ but the Animal Was ‘Going After Somebody Else’

A mother is describing the terrifying moments her 10-year-old son lived through when a grizzly bear charged a school group during an outing in western Canada.

“He was running for his life,” Veronica Schooner told The Canadian Press, saying her son, Alvarez, realized just how close the animal was. She added that the bear rushed past him so near that he could “even felt its fur.”

Schooner said Alvarez told her the bear came right up to him, but seemed focused on someone else in the group.

The attack happened on Thursday, Nov. 20, as students and teachers from Acwsalcta School — an independent First Nation school in the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola — were eating lunch on a trail near a river, according to officials and the school in statements posted to social media.

What had been a normal afternoon shifted instantly when a grizzly emerged from the surrounding forest and lunged at the group.

“Multiple teachers physically intervened, using bear spray and a bear banger, to drive the bear away,” the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) said in an update on Friday, Nov. 21.

Investigators said three children and one adult were hurt and were flown to hospitals in Vancouver for additional treatment. Health officials confirmed all four were still hospitalized, adding that families had requested privacy about their conditions. Seven more people were treated at the scene.

Conservation officers returned later that evening to continue their search. By Friday afternoon, the bear had not been located. Authorities said they believe the animal may have been injured before the incident.

“We recognize this incident is distressing for the community,” BCCOS Insp. Kevin Van Damme said, noting that officers are working closely with the Nuxalk Nation as the investigation continues. He added that their thoughts are with those injured and that they hope for a full recovery.

In the aftermath, Acwsalcta School issued a message thanking students, staff, and emergency responders. The school praised students for supporting one another and following instructions during what it called a frightening experience, and it commended employees for acting quickly and bravely to protect the children.

Residents in the Bella Coola area have been advised to stay indoors. Anyone who sees a bear is urged to call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.