The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has ended its search near Bella Coola after the second victim of a suspected grizzly bear attack was found dead. Inspector Jeff Tyre said the victim was found Tuesday afternoon near the Snooka West Trail, through efforts by conservation officers and the RCMP.
The two people were reported missing by family members on Sunday, Nov. 1. Conservation officers were called on Monday, Nov. 2, to assist RCMP and local Search and Rescue after human remains were found near the trail. CBC has identified the victims as Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her daughter Selah Reed, 20, citing family members.
Tyre said in a statement on social media that the priorities were to secure the area, protect officers and first responders, and recover the deceased so she could be brought home to her family. He said it is not clear whether more than one bear was involved, and officers continue to locate and capture any bears in the area.
If a bear is determined to be involved, it will be dispatched in accordance with provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines to protect public safety. The public has been urged to stay away from the Snooka West Trail area and to leave the work to conservation officers and police.
Conservation officers are working alongside the BC Coroners Service, Bella Coola RCMP, Bella Coola Valley Search and Rescue and Nuxalk Nation liaisons, and remain in contact with community members and emergency partners.