Bella Coola grizzly bear attack, Digi Mart USA News (Bella Coola, British Columbia): The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service says four grizzly bears have been killed in connection with an attack near Bella Coola that left a mother and daughter dead.
Forensic testing confirmed that an adult sow and three cubs were involved in the attack that killed Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her daughter Selah Reed, 20, earlier this month.
In an update Tuesday, BCCOS Insp. Jeff Tyre said the attack likely involved predatory behaviour, which is considered “very rare.” “We hope the efforts of everyone who responded, as well as these findings, bring some measure of closure,” he said.
All trapping equipment used in the response has been removed, and the investigation into the attack has concluded, the Conservation Officer Service said in a news release. It said further analysis will examine the response and the circumstances that led to the fatal event.
The four bears captured over the weekend were not involved in the 2025 attack on a group of students and teachers in Bella Coola, Tyre said. The bear responsible for that attack was never found.
Tyre said more than a dozen conservation officers worked to track down the bears involved in this month’s attack, often in difficult terrain and weather conditions. “We remain committed to working with the Nuxalk Nation and the Bella Coola community to help prevent future bear conflicts,” he said.
Elected Chief Councillor Samuel Schooner called the event “deeply, deeply unsettling,” and said the community is still recovering from the attack last year. “Our community is rightfully still deeply affected, and will be for generations.”
He said the community will continue to provide supports for residents for as long as needed, including escorts for children going to school and rides for anyone who needs to get around.
According to family members, Balcarras and Reed were hiking on the Snooka West Trail on Oct. 31 but never returned home. They were reported missing the following day.
Balcarras’s remains were found on Nov. 2, and Reed’s were discovered 150 metres away from her mother on Nov. 3.
Balcarras worked as an art therapist in the community and loved painting, playing guitar and the outdoors. Reed was an education assistant, described as a gentle soul who loved ballet, art and hiking.
Josh Balcarras, Jennifer’s brother, said the two liked many of the same things. “I think they got along really, really well,” he said following their deaths.
“They were two peas in a pod. When Jenny hiked, Selah was right there beside her.”
