A grizzly bear attack on schoolchildren in Canada has left 11 people injured as terrified kids were left “screaming and crying.” One little child, who was attacked by the bear, was so close to the animal that he “even felt his fur” as he ran for his life.

The horror incident occured at just before 2pm on Thursday, November 21 when the grizzly bear attacked a group of primary school children in Bella Coola, approximately 435 miles from Vancouver. B.C. Emergency Health Services raced to the scene after receiving a call at 1:46pm about an “animal attack” on a trail near Highway 20. Two people are critically injured and two others seriously hurt.

The emergency services say seven more people were treated at the scene of the attack. One brave teacher, who got the “whole brunt” of the bears force leaped into action and tried to protect the terrified young school children.

Worried mun Veronica Schooner said the male teacher was among those airlifted to hospital, adding that a lot of people tried to halt the attack.

She told the Canadian Press her 10-year-old son Alvarez has been left “traumatised” after the attack on his Year 4-5 class.

She said: “He said that bear ran so close to him, but it was going after somebody else.”

“Everybody was in shock at the school. A lot of people were crying, and I don’t know, I just wanted my son, and I grabbed him, and then I took him home.” 

The Nuxalk Nation said Thursday evening that the “aggressive bear” remained on the loose, and that police and conservation officers were on the scene.

“Officers are armed. Remain indoors and off the highway,” the First Nation said in a social media post.

“It is understandable if you are feeling stressed and scared,” it said, adding that several transportation options are being offered so locals can avoid walking in the area.

North District RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said she didn’t know the age or gender of the students. She described the victims’ injuries as “very serious at the very least.”

A Facebook post from Acwsalcta Schoo says the incident involved members of its school community. The school announced it will be closed Friday due to “the bear incident.”

“It’s hard to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful for our team and our students,” the post said.