Conservation officers now searching for 3 grizzlies after attack on school group in B.C.

Conservation officers in Bella Coola, B.C., are now trying to capture three grizzly bears after an attack on a group of school children and teachers on a field trip Thursday afternoon.

"Two additional grizzly bears were seen in the area during the attack," said a post on the B.C. Conservation Officer Service's (BCCOS) Facebook page Saturday afternoon.

BCCOS said the information was based on its investigation and witness accounts so far.

The service has scheduled a news conference for 4 p.m. PT.

The attack on Thursday left two people critically injured and two others seriously hurt, according to emergency officials.

The school group had stopped along a trail near the community for lunch when the a grizzly emerged from the forest and attacked, BCCOS Insp. Kevin Van Damme said in a Facebook post Friday.

Officers are now trying to trap the three bears in the area for further assessment.

An RCMP helicopter is helping the search by using thermal imaging.

Residents are being asked to avoid the 4 Mile subdivision of Bella Coola, to stay indoors and not search for the bears themselves.

"We can appreciate people want to be involved but this is a fluid and dangerous situation," said BCCOS Insp. Kevin Van Damme in Saturday's Facebook post.

"For the safety of residents and our officers, please avoid the area and allow them space to do their work."

Anyone with information or who wants to report a bear sighting is asked to contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277.