The BC Conservation Officer Service says four bears were involved in last week’s deadly attack in Bella Coola, which left a mother and her daughter dead.
The service said the bears had been “dispatched.”
“Evidence from the investigation, along with animal DNA, was analyzed and conclusively linked to a sow and her three cubs,” said Insp. » Jeff Tire of the BC Conservation Officer Service said Tuesday in an update.
“After reviewing all evidence and in accordance with provincial guidelines for responding to human-wildlife conflicts, these bears were sent to protect the public.”
Tire also said this attack “probably involved predatory behavior,” which is very rare.
“That is, we don’t know how it started, but we know how it ended,” he said.
The remains of a person were found in the Snooka West Trail area last Monday.
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The remains of the second person were found Tuesday afternoon during a search by conservation officers and the RCMP.
A GoFundMe page identified the victims as Jenny Balcarras and her daughter, Selah Reed.
A family member started the fundraiser and said Balcarras had recently moved to Bella Coola to start a new career and start a new chapter in his life.
“Selah was only 20 years old, with her whole life ahead of her. She was only beginning her journey into adulthood, which made this loss even more heartbreaking,” reads the crowdfunding campaign.
“Jenny leaves behind three young adult children – a son and two daughters – as well as a grandchild. They are now dealing with the devastating loss of their mother and sister while also having to deal with the unexpected financial burden of arranging funeral services and covering associated expenses for Jenny and Selah.”
Tire said the four bears were not involved in the 2025 attack in the same area, which involved schoolchildren.
More to come.
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