Two grizzly bears have been captured in Bella Coola, British Columbia, as authorities investigate a recent attack on a group of students and teachers. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is considering DNA tests on one of the bears to determine its potential involvement in the incident that occurred last week. The second bear has already been examined, and due to inconclusive evidence linking it to the attack, it will be fitted with a GPS collar and relocated. A spokesperson for the environment ministry indicated that further updates regarding the bears will be provided following the DNA assessment. Conservation officers are currently analyzing evidence from the attack scene, located 700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, in conjunction with the data collected from the two captured bears. Authorities believe a mother grizzly and her two cubs were involved in the attack, which left a teacher and three students with serious injuries. The mother bear may also have sustained injuries. Insp. Kevin Van Damme of the conservation service stated that the mother and her cubs are still considered a threat to public safety. He urged residents to avoid the 4 Mile area, where the attack took place, and to remain indoors. "The situation remains fluid as officers work tirelessly to capture and identify any bears involved," Van Damme said. Residents of Bella Coola have reported an increase in encounters with grizzly bears in the area. Known for its salmon-rich streams and diverse wildlife, Bella Coola has seen a rise in bear activity, with some residents noting unusual bear break-ins at homes. Corey Van Andel, a local resident, mentioned that he has witnessed several bear break-ins this year, a trend he believes is new. Nuxalk Nation hereditary chief Noel Pootlass expressed concern over the influx of "foreign bears" into the valley over the past seven years, attributing this to logging, forest fires, and drought. He noted that the valley used to have a significant population of black bears, but as grizzlies have moved in, the black bears have largely disappeared. "We still have some, not as much as we used to," Pootlass said. He described the aggressive behavior of the new grizzlies, which have been charging vehicles and breaking into homes. Pootlass also highlighted the frequency of bear sightings in the village, stating that it is common to see family groups of grizzlies roaming through town. "They’re walking our streets, right by the bank, right by the stores in the daytime," he said. While residents have noted an uptick in bear activity, government statistics indicate that overall encounters with grizzlies in the province have remained stable or slightly decreased. Interactions with grizzlies typically peak in September and October, but data for this year’s peak months has not yet been released. Samuel Schooner, elected chief of the Nuxalk Nation, emphasized the ongoing efforts of conservation officers and urged the community to stay away from the attack site. He acknowledged the long road to recovery for the victims and their families, stating, "They are our heroes, and we look forward to having them home with us as soon as they are able to return."