DNA confirms bear killed after Maple Ridge attack was responsible

The B.C. Conservation Service says DNA analysis and further investigation have confirmed that the bear killed after an attack on a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge was the animal responsible.

Maple Ridge RCMP initially said the bear shot in a neighbour’s yard about 30 minutes after the attack was not the same bear. Sgt. Jeremy Pauls said the service reassessed evidence, gathered additional evidence and obtained DNA results before correcting that conclusion. No other bears were killed in connection with the incident, he said.

The girl, Anaiyah Lekei, was attacked on the back deck of her home in the 12300 block of 240th Street on Aug. 9. She underwent surgery after being clawed and bitten on her head, neck and back.

Her mother said the child’s father got the bear off her, while family members used towels to try to stop the bleeding. The father later drove the bear away and shot it with a bow and arrow.