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Captured bear undergoes DNA testing to determine whether it was involved in fatal attack
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has captured one grizzly as it searches for bears linked to the deaths of a mother and daughter near Bella Coola. DNA testing will help determine whether the captured bear was involved; the search continues.
The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) says it has captured one grizzly bear while searching for animals linked to a fatal attack on a mother and daughter in Bella Coola earlier this week. One person’s remains were found in the Snooka West Trail area on Monday, and the second person’s remains were found Tuesday afternoon. A GoFundMe page identified the victims as Jenny Balcarras and her daughter, Selah Reed.
In an update Friday evening, BCCOS said the bear would be cared for safely while forensic DNA matching and other methods are used to determine whether it was involved in the attack. The service said any bears involved will be killed to protect public safety; bears found to be unrelated will be released.
BCCOS also said it has forensic and other evidence from a 2025 bear attack in the same area. A grizzly attacked a group of schoolchildren and teachers in that incident, injuring 11 people.
The service said bear sightings have been reported near the attack site and urged the public to continue avoiding the West Snooka Trail area. A team of conservation officers remains in Bella Coola as trapping efforts continue. Authorities do not know whether more than one bear was involved.