After re-evaluating evidence, gathering new proof, and conducting DNA testing, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has confirmed that the bear killed on August 9 is not the one responsible for the attack on a three-year-old girl while she was playing on her family’s deck in Maple Ridge. Authorities are still in pursuit of the black bear that assaulted the child, as the bear previously eliminated by the RCMP was found not to be the culprit.
The incident occurred when the young girl was on the deck in her family’s backyard, prompting one of her parents to intervene and scare off the animal. Despite initial beliefs that the bear had returned to the area multiple times that day, it was eventually shot by officers due to signs of aggression. The bear fled into a wooded area after being struck.
Following a necropsy by the Ministry of Environment and Parks, it was determined that the bear killed did not match the DNA evidence from the attack. The girl sustained non-life-threatening 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 steer clear of the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten pointed out that law enforcement, such as the RCMP, may lack expertise in bear behavior compared to conservation officers. He emphasized that using certain bullet types may not result in an immediate kill, potentially leading to more dangerous situations. Macquisten and Lesley Fox from The Fur-Bearers highlighted the need for more conservation officers to handle wildlife incidents effectively.
In response, Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to eliminate the bear, stating it was done to prevent further harm. They acknowledged the significance of such actions and assured they review incidents to enhance officer training and public safety measures. The Conservation Officer Service emphasized the importance of collaboration with law enforcement to address predator attacks promptly and efficiently.