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A grizzly bear has been captured in Bella Coola, British Columbia, as conservation officers work to identify the animals responsible for a fatal attack that killed a mother and her daughter earlier this week.
The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) confirmed the capture on Friday evening. Officers said the bear will receive proper care while forensic DNA testing and other investigative tools determine whether it was involved in the deadly incident.
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Victims Identified After Remains Found
Authorities discovered the first set of remains on Monday in the Snooka West Trail area. The second set of remains turned up Tuesday afternoon. A GoFundMe page identified the victims as Jenny Balcarras and her daughter, Selah Reed.
BCCOS stated that any bears confirmed to have participated in the attack will be euthanized to protect public safety. However, bears that show no connection to the incident will be released unharmed.
Area Linked to Earlier Bear Attack on Schoolchildren
Investigators also noted that forensic and other evidence connects the same area to a separate grizzly bear attack in 2025. In that earlier incident, a grizzly bear attacked a group of schoolchildren and teachers. Eleven people suffered injuries as a result.
Authorities currently do not know how many bears were involved in this week’s fatal attack. Meanwhile, multiple bear sightings have been reported near the site of the incident.
Public Warning Remains in Effect
BCCOS urged the public to continue avoiding the West Snooka Trail area while the investigation continues. A team of conservation officers remains on the ground in Bella Coola as trapping efforts press forward.
Officials said they will provide further updates as DNA results and other evidence help clarify the full circumstances of the attack.
