Four grizzly bears that killed B.C. mom and daughter have been euthanized
Four grizzly bears that authorities linked to a fatal attack on a mom and daughter in Bella Coola, B.C., have been “dispatched” for public safety.
The news comes one week after the second victim in the attack was located, and eight days after the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) announced that a team of officers was investigating after an individual was located deceased in the Snooka West Trail area.
“Forensic testing has confirmed that four grizzly bears captured by conservation officers were involved in the attack that killed two people near Bella Coola,” said BCCOS in an update on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
“Evidence from the investigation, including animal DNA, conclusively linked an adult sow and its three offspring, captured over the weekend, to the attack.
“After considering the evidence and in accordance with provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines, conservation officers dispatched all four bears to protect public safety.”
GoFundMe
A family member confirmed the two victims to be Jenny Balcarras and Selah Reed.
“This sudden and heartbreaking loss has left their family and loved ones devastated,” wrote Mary Melissa Smith, organizer of the GoFundMe campaign. Her brother-in-law is Balcarras’ brother, Josh.
According to Smith, Balcarras had recently moved to Bella Coola to pursue a new career.
“She was working toward building a future and had not yet had the opportunity to establish savings or put aside funds to help her family with unexpected expenses such as these,” added Smith. “Tragically, no one could have anticipated that her family would be faced with such an unimaginable loss.
“Selah was just 20 years old, with her whole life ahead of her. She was only beginning her journey into adulthood, making this loss even more heartbreaking.”
At the time of reporting, the fundraiser had raised over $79,000 of its $80,000 goal.
B.C. Conservation Officer Service
Over a dozen conservation officers took part in the investigation in Bella Coola over the past week, which concluded that the fatal grizzly encounter most likely involved “predatory behaviour.”
“This was a heartbreaking event for the families, the Nuxalk Nation and the Bella Coola community,” added BCCOS Insp. Jeff Tyre. “We hope the efforts of everyone who responded, along with these findings, bring some measure of closure.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected. We ask that the families’ privacy be respected, in keeping with their wishes.”