Wildlife authorities in Canada euthanized a mother bear and her three cubs over the weekend after forensic DNA analysis confirmed the animals killed a mother and daughter on a trail near Bella Coola, nos.nl reported.
The victims, 48-year-old Jennifer Balcarras and her 20-year-old daughter Selah Reed, set out for a recreational walk on Saturday, October 31, and were reported missing the following day, Times of Suriname reported. Search teams found the remains of the first victim on Monday and the second victim on Tuesday in the coastal community northwest of Vancouver.
Investigators recovered physical evidence and tracked the bears through difficult terrain under severe weather conditions. Forensic tests revealed the animals displayed “predatory behavior,” meaning they actively hunted humans for food. Authorities said that the younger victim was found near a cache where bears store food.
Fatal grizzly attacks involving predatory behavior remain rare despite a large bear population in the region. British Columbia is home to more than 10,000 grizzly bears and over 100,000 black bears, according to Times of Suriname.
The site of the attack lies roughly 3 kilometers from the location of an incident one year ago, when a grizzly bear injured children and a teacher during a school excursion. DNA testing confirmed the four bears euthanized this weekend were not involved in that prior attack.
Following the recent tragedy, the Nuxalk Nation imposed a temporary curfew for residents of Bella Coola. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted night patrols and escorted students to and from school buses.
Samuel Schooner announced that authorities lifted the curfew after capturing the four bears. Night patrols will continue temporarily while officials evaluate safety conditions.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant and report bear sightings immediately to the authorities,” said Schooner.
Local wildlife authorities put down the mother bear and her three cubs after forensic testing and DNA analysis proved they were responsible for the fatal attack on the two women.
No. DNA tests confirmed that the four captured bears were not involved in a separate incident from a year prior that injured children and a teacher during a school trip.
While the local indigenous government lifted its evening curfew following the capture of the bears, police night patrols will continue for the immediate future.
Earlier coverage: Four Bears Euthanized After Fatal Attack on Mother and Child in Canada
Related reading