The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has issued an apology for the confusion caused by earlier reports, revealing that the RCMP euthanized a bear that had attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge in the recent incident. According to the BCCOS, the girl was playing on her family’s deck on August 9 when a black bear attacked her, prompting one of her parents to chase the bear away.
Subsequently, the Maple Ridge RCMP reported that the bear had returned to the area multiple times while officers were present, leading them to shoot the bear. However, a necropsy conducted on the bear two days later confirmed that it was not the bear responsible for the attack as initially believed.
In a video statement shared on social media, BCCOS Sgt. Jeremy Pauls clarified that after a thorough investigation, which included reevaluating the evidence, gathering additional evidence, and DNA analysis, it was determined that the bear that was euthanized was indeed the one involved in the attack. Pauls emphasized that no other bears were put down in connection to this incident.
Acknowledging the confusion caused by the initial assessment, Pauls expressed gratitude to the RCMP for their prompt response in safeguarding public safety. He also mentioned that the victim, who was reported by RCMP to have sustained non-life-altering injuries, is currently in the process of recovery.
Following the revelation that the wrong bear had been killed, Maple Ridge RCMP stated that they always assess incidents to explore potential improvements in training or equipment to better serve both officers and the public.
