The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has confirmed that the bear killed on August 9 in Maple Ridge, B.C. is not the bear responsible for attacking a three-year-old girl on her family’s deck. Authorities continue to search for the actual bear involved in the incident.
The young girl was playing in her family’s backyard when the attack occurred, prompting one of her parents to intervene and scare off the animal. Despite initial beliefs, the bear that was shot by RCMP after showing signs of aggression was not the culprit.
Following the shooting, the bear fled into a wooded area and was later recovered for a necropsy, which revealed it was not the same bear involved in the attack. The injured girl was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten expressed little surprise at the mistaken identity, citing that law enforcement officers like the RCMP are not bear experts and may lack the necessary expertise in handling such situations. Macquisten highlighted the potential risks of injuring a bear rather than killing it outright, as an injured bear could pose greater danger.
Lesley Fox, executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, emphasized the importance of accurate identification and evidence-based decision-making in such urgent scenarios. Both Fox and Macquisten called for increased resources for conservation officers to better respond to wildlife incidents.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their actions, stating they believed they had the right bear and made the decision to eliminate the animal to prevent further harm. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife conservation and assured that incidents are reviewed for possible improvements in training and equipment.
Authorities urge the public to avoid the area while a B.C. Conservation Officer Service predator attack team continues the search for the bear responsible for the attack. The service emphasized the collaborative effort with law enforcement partners to address such high-priority calls effectively.