Teachers successfully drove away a grizzly bear that attacked a school group walking on a trail in, on Thursday, officials reported.

Inspector Kevin Van Damme of British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service stated in a social media update that “The group had paused along a trail near the community when a grizzly bear emerged from the forest and attacked.” They repelled “the bear using pepper spray and a bear banger.”

Eleven individuals, including fourth and fifth-grade students, sustained injuries in the attack, as reported by CBC News.

According to British Columbia Health Services, two people were in critical condition, two in serious condition, and the remaining seven received treatment at the scene.

The incident occurred in Bella Coola, a town located more than 400 miles.

Van Damme indicated that the victims were initially taken to Bella Coola Hospital and were being transferred to Vancouver for further medical attention.

As of Friday, officials were still searching for the bear, which they believe might have been previously injured.

Van Damme commented, “We recognize this incident is distressing for the community. We are in close contact with the Nuxalk Nation as our investigation continues. We thank them for their collaborative efforts to ensure and shared safety information.” He added, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.”

Tamara Davidson, British Columbia’s Minister of Environment and Parks, praised the teachers who confronted the bear as “true heroes,” adding that they were, according to the Guardian.