Efforts are underway to locate the grizzly bear that attacked a school group near Bella Coola, British Columbia, last Friday. The incident has raised questions about what actions will be taken if the bear is found. While bear encounters are common in Canada, attacks involving large groups are rare, according to conservation experts.

There are approximately 13,000 grizzly bears in British Columbia, with a significant population in the central coast region. The area near the 4 Mile subdivision, where the attack occurred, has a high bear density of about 22 bears per 1,000 square kilometers. Conservation teams are using various methods to track the bear, including setting bait and traps in areas where they expect the bear to be.

After capturing a bear, conservation officers will compare it to witness accounts and evidence from the attack scene, such as tracks and hair. Kevin Van Damme, an inspector with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, noted, "The bears left some forensic evidence on the clothing of the victims. From there, we'll do lab work to make sure that we have the right bear."

The attack involved a group of about 20 people, including students and teachers. Three students and one teacher were hospitalized as a result. Conservation officer Sgt. Jeff Tyre indicated that a mother bear and her two cubs are likely involved in the incident. No bears have been captured yet.

Experts suggest that the size of the group may have played a role in the attack. Brian Falconer from the Raincoast Conservation Foundation stated, "To my knowledge, there has never been an attack by a grizzly bear on a group of more than six people. This is unique." He added that various factors, such as a bear protecting its cubs or previous confrontations, could influence its behavior.

In the aftermath of the attack, discussions are ongoing about the fate of the bear if it is found. Van Damme explained that a team of professionals, including wildlife veterinarians and biologists, will assess the bear's behavior and circumstances surrounding the attack. Falconer emphasized the importance of consulting the local community, particularly the Nuxalk Nation, which has coexisted with bears for generations.

If the bear is identified as the attacker, it could face relocation or euthanasia. Falconer noted that typically, when injuries occur, the bear is put down. However, the age of any cubs involved will also be a factor in the decision-making process.

Relocation efforts usually aim to give humans time to remove attractants, such as garbage or livestock, from the area. Lana Ciarniello, a conservation scientist, explained that bears often return after being relocated unless significant changes are made to their environment. Translocation, which involves moving bears a greater distance, is also an option but does not guarantee they will not return.

Since the attack, there have been calls to reinstate B.C.'s grizzly bear trophy hunt, which was banned in 2017. Advocates argue that the absence of hunting has led to an increase in problem bears. However, Falconer and Ciarniello argue that punishing bears for the actions of one is not a viable solution. Environment Minister Tamara Davidson stated that the government is focused on locating the bear rather than considering a return to trophy hunting, as it may not address the underlying issues related to bear attacks.