Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says four grizzly bears have been killed in connection with an attack near Bella Coola that left a mother and daughter dead.
Forensic testing confirmed an adult sow and three cubs were involved in the attack that killed Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her daughter Selah Reed, 20, earlier this month.
In an update Tuesday, BCCOS Insp. Jeff Tyre said the attack likely involved predatory behaviour, which is considered “very rare.”
“We hope the efforts of everyone who responded, as well as these findings, bring some measure of closure,” he said.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected.”
WATCH | Officials give update on Bella Coola grizzly attack:
WATCH IN FULL: Officials give update on 4 grizzly bears destroyed following deadly attack
All trapping equipment used in the response has been removed, and the investigation into the attack has concluded, the Conservation Officer Service said in a news release. It said further analysis will examine the response and the circumstances that led to the fatal event.
“They all had to be [killed], because bears that are involved in fatal attacks on people cannot be rehabilitated or relocated,” explained Tyre.
“This type of behaviour presents an extreme risk to the public, and such bears are dispatched to protect the public and prevent similar attacks in the future.”
The four bears captured over the weekend were not involved in the 2025 attack on a group of students and teachers in Bella Coola, Tyre said.
The bear responsible for that attack was never found.
Tyre said more than a dozen conservation officers worked to track down the bears involved in this month’s attack, often in difficult terrain and weather conditions.
“We remain committed to working with the Nuxalk Nation and the Bella Coola community to help prevent future bear conflicts,” he said.
Elected Chief Councillor Samuel Schooner called the event “deeply, deeply unsettling,” and said they’re still recovering from the attack from last year.
“Our community is rightfully still deeply affected, and will be for generations.”
He said they will continue to provide supports for residents for as long as is needed, including night patrols, escorts for children going to school and offering rides to anyone who needs to get around.
The nation is asking community members to continue to take all necessary precautions outdoors, stay close to young children, ensure spaces are free of any bear attractants and stay away from the Snooka West Trail area.
WATCH | 2 grizzly attacks in same part of B.C.:
Grizzly attacks again in same area of B.C. This time 2 are dead
Nuxalk cultural leaders will decide on how the bear remains are used, the nation said in a community update on social media.
“We continue to pray for Jenny and Selah’s family. Your loss is felt with each of us and Nuxalk stands ready to support you during this tragic time,” the update read.
“Over the coming months, there will be ongoing discussion about bear coexistence. Nuxalk [leadership] is committed to hearing all perspectives and finding a good path forward.”
‘Two peas in a pod’
According to family members, Balcarras and Reed were out for a hike on the Snooka West Trail on Oct. 31 but never returned home. They were reported missing the following day.
Jennifer Balcarras and her daughter Selah Reed in this undated photo provided by their family. (Submitted by Matthew Balcarras)
Balcarras’s remains were found on Nov. 2, and Reed’s were discovered 150 metres away from her mother on Nov. 3.
Balcarras worked as an art therapist in the community, and loved painting, playing guitar and the outdoors. Reed was an education assistant, described as a gentle soul who loved ballet, art and hiking.
The two liked a lot of the same things, according to Josh Balcarras, Jennifer’s brother.
“I think they got along really, really well,” he said, speaking following their deaths. “They were two peas in a pod. When Jenny hiked, Selah was right there beside her.”