Four Grizzly Bears Killed After DNA Links Them to Fatal Attack in British Columbia

World · First reported 10 Nov, 18:43 · Updated 19:10

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Wildlife officials in British Columbia have euthanized an adult female grizzly bear and three cubs after forensic testing confirmed their involvement in the fatal mauling of Jennifer Balcarras and her daughter Selah Reed near Bella Coola. Authorities noted the attack likely involved rare predatory behavior, while local community leaders have introduced safety supports and safety precautions following the incident.

The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service confirmed that an adult female grizzly bear and three cubs were killed after DNA testing linked them to the deaths of Jennifer Balcarras and Selah Reed near Bella Coola.
BCCOS Inspector Jeff Tyre stated the attack likely involved predatory behavior, which is considered very rare, and explained that bears involved in fatal attacks cannot be rehabilitated or relocated.
Balcarras and Reed went missing on October 31 while hiking on the Snooka West Trail, and their remains were located separately on November 2 and November 3.
Officials noted that the four captured bears were not involved in a November 2025 attack in Bella Coola that injured eleven people, as that bear was never found.
The Nuxalk Nation implemented community measures including night patrols and school escorts, while cultural leaders will determine how the remains of the bears are used.