The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has issued an apology for the confusion caused by the recent events surrounding the killing of a bear that had attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge. According to initial reports on August 9, the girl was playing on her family’s deck when a black bear assaulted her, prompting one of her parents to intervene and scare the bear away.
Subsequently, Maple Ridge RCMP disclosed that the bear returned multiple times to the vicinity while officers were present, leading to the decision to shoot the animal. However, a necropsy performed on the bear two days later revealed that it was not the same bear responsible for the attack, as stated by the BCCOS.
In a video statement shared on social media on Friday, BCCOS Sgt. Jeremy Pauls clarified that after further investigation, including a reassessment of evidence, additional evidence collection, and DNA analysis, it was confirmed that the bear that was dispatched was indeed the one involved in the attack. Pauls expressed regret for the confusion caused by the initial assessment and extended gratitude to the RCMP for their swift response in ensuring public safety.
Pauls also mentioned that the victim, who was reported to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries by the RCMP, is currently recuperating. Following the earlier BCCOS assessment, Maple Ridge RCMP stated that they consistently review incidents to explore potential improvements in training and equipment to better serve officers and the community.