Officials are continuing the search for the black bear that attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The bear that was killed by RCMP was not the one responsible for the attack. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported that the girl was playing on her family’s back deck when the incident occurred, and one of her parents intervened to scare off the bear.
After the bear returned to the area multiple times and exhibited signs of aggression, officers shot it to ensure public safety. Despite fleeing into a wooded area after being shot, the bear was recovered and underwent a necropsy, which confirmed it was not the bear involved in the attack.
The young girl sustained non-life-altering injuries and was taken to the hospital. A predator attack team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service remains on-site, urging the public to avoid the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten commented that it was not surprising the wrong bear was killed, noting that police officers lack the expertise in bear behavior that conservation officers possess. Macquisten emphasized that using certain bullets could potentially injure a bear rather than kill it, making the situation more dangerous.
The executive director of The Fur-Bearers, Lesley Fox, stressed the importance of proper identification and evidence in urgent wildlife situations. Both Fox and Macquisten highlighted the need for more conservation officers to handle wildlife incidents effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to dispatch the bear, stating that it was made to prevent further harm. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife loss and assured that such decisions are not taken lightly. The department stated that they continually review incidents to enhance officer training and equipment for public safety.
The Conservation Officer Service emphasized that predator attacks are a top priority and that they collaborate closely with law enforcement partners statewide.