A school field trip in western Canada turned into a mass casualty emergency after a grizzly bear attacked a group of children and teachers on a forest trail in British Columbia, leaving 11 people injured, two of them critically. Authorities say the incident occurred on Friday afternoon along a popular walking path outside a community near the Rocky Mountain foothills, an area where wildlife encounters are common but attacks of this scale are extremely rare.

Witnesses reported that the group, made up of elementary school students and accompanying staff, was midway through a guided nature walk when the bear suddenly emerged from thick brush. The attack lasted only seconds, according to officials, but resulted in multiple injuries before the group was able to retreat and call for help. First responders airlifted the two most severely injured victims to a trauma centre in Vancouver, while others were treated for bite wounds, fractures and shock.

Police, conservation officers and specialized wildlife teams immediately launched a search for the bear, warning nearby residents to remain indoors and avoid forested zones. Officers say the animal’s behaviour suggests it may have been startled or protecting food or cubs, circumstances that can trigger sudden aggression in grizzlies. Tracks and scat have been identified near the scene as search teams, drones and tracking dogs continue sweeping the area.

The attack has reignited debate about rising human-wildlife conflicts in British Columbia, where expanding communities, increased outdoor recreation and shifting animal patterns linked to climate change are pushing bears and humans into closer contact. Grizzly populations in the province remain protected, with conservation agencies balancing public safety and species preservation in their response protocols.

Local officials say the priority now is securing the area and supporting affected families, many of whom were reunited at local hospitals late Friday. Schools in the district have suspended outdoor activities pending further guidance from wildlife authorities.

Updates are expected as the bear search continues and medical teams assess the condition of the injured.