Grizzly Mauls Group on Canadian Nature Trail, Leaving 11 Injured

A routine school outing in western Canada turned into a terrifying ordeal after a grizzly bear attacked a group of children and teachers during a nature walk, injuring 11 people and prompting renewed debate about wildlife safety in popular outdoor areas.

According to local authorities, the group was hiking along a designated trail when the grizzly emerged from dense brush and charged without warning. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as teachers tried to shield students and lead them to safety while calling for help.

Emergency crews arrived quickly and airlifted several of the injured to nearby hospitals. Most sustained bite wounds, scratches, or blunt-force injuries, while a few remain in serious but stable condition. Officials say the teachers’ quick actions likely prevented the incident from becoming fatal.

The trail, located near a forested area known for grizzly activity, has been temporarily closed as wildlife officers search for the bear and investigate what triggered the attack. Early reports suggest the animal may have been startled or defending food or cubs.

Parents rushed to reunite with their children as news of the attack spread, many expressing shock that a supervised school trip could turn so dangerous. Some questioned whether the trail should have been open given recent bear sightings in the region.

Wildlife experts caution that grizzly encounters, while rare, can become more frequent when humans venture deeper into natural habitats during peak feeding seasons. They stress the importance of awareness, noise-making, and carrying bear spray during hikes — even on marked trails.

School officials have suspended all outdoor excursions until further notice and say counseling services will be offered to students and staff affected by the traumatic event.

The attack has reignited discussions about balancing outdoor education with safety measures as communities grapple with increasingly unpredictable wildlife behavior. Officials are urging calm but have reiterated that anyone in the area should report bear sightings immediately.

Author: M.J