After a thorough investigation involving re-evaluation of evidence, new evidence collection, and DNA analysis, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has confirmed that the bear killed on August 9 is not the same bear responsible for the attack on a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge. Authorities are actively searching for the actual black bear that attacked the young girl while she was playing on her family’s deck. The incident occurred when one of her parents intervened and scared the bear away.
Maple Ridge RCMP reported multiple sightings of the believed bear in the area on the same day of the incident. Law enforcement officers shot the bear to ensure public safety after it displayed signs of aggression. Despite fleeing into the woods after being shot, the bear was later found and underwent a necropsy, which revealed it was not the bear involved in the attack.
The young girl sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service’s predator attack team remains on the scene, urging the public to steer clear of the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten highlighted that the mistaken killing of the bear was not surprising, emphasizing that law enforcement lacks the expertise in bear behavior compared to trained conservation officers. Macquisten explained that the caliber of bullets typically used by police may not effectively kill a bear on the first shot, potentially leading to a more dangerous situation if the bear is injured.
Amidst the urgency of the situation, Lesley Fox, executive director of The Fur-Bearers, stressed the importance of accurate identification and following a scientific approach to decision-making. Both Fox and Macquisten advocated for increased resources for conservation officers to handle wildlife incidents efficiently.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to eliminate the bear, citing concerns for public safety and the prevention of further harm. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife preservation and assured that such decisions are made after careful consideration. The department also expressed a commitment to enhancing training and equipment to better equip officers for similar encounters in the future.
The Conservation Officer Service reiterated the prioritization of predator attacks and emphasized their collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies across British Columbia.