Grizzly attack on B.C. elementary class latest in series of encounters...

-with files from the Canadian Press

A grizzly bear attack on a group of elementary school students in Bella Coola, B.C., on Thursday is the latest in a number of recent encounters with the animals in British Columbia this year. Several people have been badly injured and at least one person has died in separate attacks across the province.

Here is a list of attacks in B.C. this year:

July 4: A man is flown to hospital after being bitten and scratched by a grizzly in a remote location west of Fort Nelson. Conservation officers say there are no plans to hunt the animal, which had two cubs.

July 26: Two grizzly bears attack a couple riding electric bikes in Cranbrook, B.C. The man suffers significant injuries.

Sept. 30: Two people are charged with the killing of a grizzly bear in July on B.C.’s Texada Island. The bear had stalked people and harassed livestock in the weeks leading up to its death.

Oct. 2: Hunter Joe Pendry is attacked by a grizzly in the East Kootenay region. He shoots the bear and fights it off, but dies in hospital more than three weeks later. The bear is found dead.

Oct. 12: Two hikers are seriously injured when they are attacked by a grizzly in the McGregor Mountain area, northeast of Prince George. Conservation officers say the encounter happened when the hikers came across the sow with two cubs on a trail, and the attack was “defensive” in nature.

Nov. 20: A grizzly attacks a group of pupils and teachers while they were having lunch along a trail in Bella Coola. Two people suffer critical injuries, two are seriously hurt, and seven are treated at the scene.

To help prevent a grizzly attack:

• Be aware of bear activity: Grizzlies are most active at dawn and dusk, so avoid hiking during these times.
   
• Keep food secure: Always carry food in bear canisters and remove wrappers and trash from your campsite.
   
• Make noise: Bears are less likely to attack if they hear you, so use your voice to communicate.
   
• Use bear spray: If you encounter a bear, use bear spray to deter it. If you don't have bear spray, play dead to avoid provocation.
   
• Stay calm: If you encounter a bear, remain calm and do not make sudden movements.
   
• Recognize signs of danger: Learn to identify signs of a bear's interest in your surroundings, such as sniffing or checking sounds with its nose.