Grizzly captured in Bella Coola; its role in fatal attack remains unknown

A grizzly bear has been captured in Bella Coola, B.C., where a mother and daughter were killed in an attack last weekend. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says it is not yet known whether the trapped bear was responsible. The victims were school art therapist Jenny Balcarras and her adult daughter, Selah Reed.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service shared an update on social media Friday evening, saying efforts continue to trap any bears that may have been responsible for the deaths. The service said the bear will be cared for safely while assessments are completed, in co-ordination with wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

Forensic DNA matching, distinctive physical measurements and other animal-specific characteristics will be used to determine whether the captured bear was responsible. The service will also compare forensic and other evidence from a 2025 attack on a group of elementary school students in Bella Coola with evidence from any bear captured in the current search.

Any bear confirmed to be responsible will be dispatched to protect public safety, the service said; bears found to be unrelated will be released. A team of conservation officers remains in Bella Coola as trapping continues. Bear sightings have been reported near the attack area, and the public is urged to keep avoiding West Snooka Trail.

The service said it remains in close contact with the victims’ families, the Nuxalk Nation and the local community.