A mother and daughter died in a suspected grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola, British Columbia, devastating their family, according to the victims’ relatives and the BC Conservation Officer Service.
Family members identified the victims as Jennifer Balcarras and her 20-year-old daughter, Selah Reed.
The victims were first reported missing on November 1, after they failed to return from what was supposed to be a short afternoon walk.
“The way it starts is a few hours of no news from them,” Josh Balcarras, Balcarras’ brother, said in an interview with CBS News’ Canadian partner CBC News. “It becomes a day, then a night… then a second night comes and it becomes a reality.”
Balcarras’ body was discovered in the Snooka West Trail area Monday afternoon. Reed’s remains were found Tuesday. Agencies including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and local search and rescue authorities were involved in the investigation, said BC Conservation Officer Service inspector Jeff Tyre. Tyr announced the discovery of the two sets of remains on social media.
Matthew Bailey/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images 
“Our hearts go out to the victims’ family during this tragic time. We are in contact with the family to offer whatever support we can as we continue our investigation into this incident,” Tire said in a video.
Tire said it was unclear how many bears were involved. Efforts are underway to locate and capture all animals involved, he said. Bears captured will be evaluated. If it is determined he was involved in the attack, he will be “dispatched in accordance with provincial guidelines for responding to human-wildlife conflicts to protect public safety,” Tire said. Tire urged the public to avoid the Snooka West Trail area while this work is underway.
“Two peas in a pod”
Balcarras and Reed were “two peas in a pod” who “got along really well” and shared many hobbies, Josh Balcarras told CBC.
“When Jenny was hiking, Selah was right next to her,” Josh Balcarras told CBC.
The family has started a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses. Balcarras had recently moved to Bella Coola to pursue a new career and begin a new chapter in his life, according to the fundraiser. Because of the move, she had no savings, her family wrote. Balcarras leaves behind three young adult children and one grandchild.
Reed had “her whole life ahead of her,” the family wrote, and “was only beginning her journey toward adulthood.”
Bear attacks in British Columbia
There are an estimated 10,000 to 13,000 grizzly bears living in British Columbia, according to the province’s Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. The species is classified as vulnerable. Conflicts between grizzly bears and humans are considered “relatively rare,” the ministry said, unless the animals are frightened or protective of their young or food. However, several grizzly bear attacks have occurred in the province in recent years.
A grizzly bear attacked a group of students and teachers in the Bella Coola Valley in November 2025. Two people were seriously injured and two others were seriously injured. Others were treated at the scene and released, CBC News reported at the time. The bear was described as “aggressive.” CBS News reported. The incident deeply shook the local community.
In October 2025, a a grizzly bear injured two hikers in the McGregor Mountains region of British Columbia, northeast of Prince George. One of the hikers was taken to hospital in critical condition and died a few weeks later from his injuries. The grizzly bear was later found dead, according to the BC Conservation Officer Service.
A man suffered “serious injuries”, including broken bones and lacerations, after being attacked by a grizzly bear while hunting in the Elkford, British Columbia area in May 2024. He managed to shoot the bear in self-defense. The animal was later found dead. The man was flown to an area hospital for treatment.
A A 21-year-old woman was seriously injured by a grizzly bear near Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in July 2023. Authorities described the incident as a “defensive attack.” The victim was transported by helicopter to an area hospital.
Gn world
