Four captured grizzlies not linked to attack on B.C. schoolchildren: officials

A sign warning of a bear in the area is shown in Squamish, B.C., on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. (Amy Smart / The Canadian Press)

BELLA COOLA — B.C. conservation officers have ruled out any link between four captured grizzly bears and a recent attack on a group of schoolchildren and their teachers.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says a forensics lab analyzed evidence, including DNA, from last week’s attack in the central coast community of Bella Coola.

The agency says the bears will be relocated within their home range over the coming days, away from the community roughly 700 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.

Three children and a teacher were badly injured in the attack that came as their group of 20 ate lunch during a field trip.

Officials say the investigation and the search for any bears involved continue.

Residents are advised to avoid the 4 Mile area, stay indoors and not try to search for bears themselves.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 28, 2025.