Four grizzly bears identified as responsible for the deaths of a mother and daughter in British Columbia have been euthanized, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
The victims, 48-year-old Jenny Balcarras and her 20-year-old daughter, Selah Reed, were killed while hiking near their home in Bella Coola, according to reports from Detik news and AFP.
DNA testing conducted at the scene confirmed the involvement of a female grizzly and her three cubs in the fatal encounter. BC Conservation Officer Service inspector Jeff Tyre stated that the investigation revealed signs of predatory behavior, which he characterized as an exceptionally rare occurrence. "We don’t know how it started, but we know how it ended," Tyre told reporters.
The victims were reported missing on November 1, 2026, after failing to return from an afternoon walk, Liputan6.com reported. A search operation involving the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and conservation officers led to the discovery of Balcarras’s body on November 2, followed by the discovery of Reed’s remains the next day.
According to iNews.ID, the bodies were found approximately 150 meters apart, with Reed located in an area where bears typically cache prey.
Following the recovery of the bodies, conservation officials launched an investigation to determine the specific circumstances of the attack. While officials initially explored the possibility that multiple bears were involved, DNA analysis eventually confirmed the role of the mother grizzly and her three offspring, Detik news noted.
The bears were subsequently "removed," a term used by wildlife authorities to indicate they were euthanized to ensure public safety. Local authorities have since issued warnings, urging residents and hikers to avoid the area near the Snooka West Trail while the investigation and site remediation continue.
Family members described Balcarras and Reed as having a remarkably close relationship. Josh Balcarras, the brother of the victim, told CBC News that the two were inseparable, often comparing them to "two peas in a pod." Jenny Balcarras had recently relocated to the remote community of Bella Coola to begin a new career, a transition that family members noted was meant to mark a fresh start before the tragedy occurred.
According to the BC Conservation Officer Service, the classification refers to specific behavioral evidence found at the scene that indicates the bears were hunting rather than acting out of territorial defense or surprise. Officials noted this type of behavior is extremely rare for grizzly bears.
Yes, the region experienced a grizzly attack on a group of students and teachers in November 2025.
The public has been cautioned to remain vigilant and avoid the area near the Snooka West Trail to ensure personal safety and to avoid interfering with the investigation by the British Columbia government.