BC Conservation Officer Service has said that forensic testing has confirmed that four grizzly bears that were captured were involved in the attack that killed two people 48 year-old Jennifer Balcarras and her daughter, 20 year-old Selah Reed, near Bella Coola.
They say that evidence including animal DNA, conclusively linked an adult sow and its three offspring, captured over the weekend, to the attack.
After talks with the provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines, conservation officers dispatched all four bears to protect public safety.
While the investigation considered that the full scope of the circumstances and evidence.
It found that the encounter was likely involved predatory behavior.
Fatal grizzly bear attacks involving predatory behavior are rare.
More than a dozen conservation officers took part in the response over the past week.
DNA testing has confirmed that the four bears were not involved in the 2025 attack on a school group in Bella Coola.
All trapping equipment used in the response has been removed.
The investigation into the attack is concluded.
Elected Chief Councilor of the Nuxalk Nation Samuel Schooner has said that they have community supports still available and they will remain in place until they feel the right time to remove them.
Schooner has also said that he respectfully wants the media to contact BC Conservation Officer Service instead of community members at this time.
The Nuxalk Nation has also lifted the 8 PM curfew, they are still offering shuttle transportation from 8 am to 8 pm daily. Until further notice. Call or text 250 267 2475 to set up a ride.
