Canadian conservation officers killed a female grizzly bear and her three cubs after forensic DNA testing conclusively linked them to the fatal mauling of a woman and her daughter near Bella Coola, British Columbia.
Authorities said the four animals were captured over the weekend and euthanised in accordance with provincial human-wildlife conflict guidelines to protect public safety.
Why were the animals killed?
Later, it was discovered that they had been mauled to death. The investigation considered the full scope of the circumstances and evidence. It found that the encounter likely involved predatory behaviour.”
48-year-old Jennifer Balcarras and her 20-year-old daughter, Selah Reed, died while they were on an afternoon walk in a Bella Coola trail area. They were initially reported missing on November 1 after they didn’t return from their walk.
The government agency said, “After considering the evidence and in accordance with provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines, conservation officers dispatched all four bears to protect public safety.
“A complex investigation”
Tyre shared that dozens of conservation officers were involved in the entire investigation, including searching for the mother-daughter duo when they were initially reported missing. The officers also helped recover the victims. They then gathered and assessed evidence. Eventually, the investigating team located and captured the bears. “They carried out this work in difficult terrain and weather while carefully managing ongoing risks to public and officer safety.
The inspector said it was a “complex investigation”
