BELLA COOLA — What was to be a short afternoon field trip for about 20 students and staff of a school in Bella Coola, B.C., became a “traumatic event” where four people were badly hurt when a grizzly attacked without cause, the Nuxalk Nation’s elected chief said on Friday.

Samuel Schooner said in a statement that staff at the school followed all necessary protocols in Thursday’s attack and are well trained to be in their territories.

“This unprecedented grizzly bear attack occurred without provocation and has resulted in significant trauma to our community,” his statement said.

“We are incredibly proud of our teachers and students who responded heroically in the moment to protect one another. The outcome could have been much worse.”

The group included students in Grades 4 and 5.

The B

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