UPDATE, Aug. 14 — The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has confirmed that the bear fatally shot by the RCMP on August 9 in Maple Ridge is not the same bear responsible for attacking a three-year-old girl while she was playing on her family’s deck. Officials are still actively searching for the bear involved in the attack.
According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, the young girl was on the deck in her family’s backyard when the incident occurred. A parent intervened and scared off the bear. Despite initial beliefs that the bear was the culprit, it was confirmed that the bear returned to the area multiple times that day, exhibiting signs of aggression. Subsequently, the bear was shot by officers to ensure public safety, but it fled into the nearby woods after being hit.
A necropsy performed on the bear revealed that it was not the same bear responsible for the attack. The girl sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service predator attack team remains on the scene, urging the public to avoid the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten expressed no surprise at the mistaken identity of the bear, citing that law enforcement officers lack the expertise in bear behavior possessed by conservation officers. He highlighted the risks associated with injuring a bear rather than killing it, making it potentially more dangerous.
Lesley Fox, the executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, emphasized the importance of accurate identification and evidence-based decision-making in such situations. Both Fox and Macquisten advocated for increased resources for conservation officers to handle wildlife incidents effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their actions, stating that they believed they had the correct bear and made the decision to euthanize it to prevent further harm. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife loss and assured that such decisions are not made lightly. The department stated its commitment to reviewing incidents to enhance officer and public safety, especially during seasonal bear activity.
The Conservation Officer Service reiterated that predator attacks are a top priority and emphasized their collaboration with law enforcement agencies statewide to address such incidents effectively.