After a thorough re-evaluation of evidence, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has confirmed that the bear eliminated on August 9 is indeed the same bear that attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge. Despite this confirmation, authorities are still actively searching for the black bear responsible for the assault, as the bear previously killed by the RCMP was not the culprit.
The incident occurred while the young girl was playing on her family’s backyard deck, with one of her parents intervening and driving the animal away. Subsequently, the bear returned multiple times, prompting officers to take action to safeguard public safety. Following the shooting of the bear, it fled into a nearby wooded area.
A necropsy performed on the bear revealed that it was not the one involved in the attack. The girl sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was promptly hospitalized. In response to the situation, a B.C. Conservation Officer Service predator attack team remains at the scene, urging the public to steer clear of the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten expressed no surprise at the mistaken identity of the bear targeted for elimination, emphasizing that law enforcement, such as the RCMP, lacks the specialized expertise in bear behavior possessed by conservation officers. Macquisten highlighted the potential dangers of injuring a bear, as it could escalate the animal’s aggression.
Lesley Fox, executive director of wildlife conservation group The Fur-Bearers, emphasized the importance of making informed decisions based on proper evidence and scientific methods in such urgent situations. Both Fox and Macquisten advocated for increased conservation officer presence to handle wildlife incidents effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their actions, stating that the decision to eliminate the bear was made to prevent further harm or fatalities. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife preservation and assured that such decisions are never taken lightly. The department also pledged to review incidents to enhance officer training and resources for public safety.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service reiterated that predator attacks are a top priority, underscoring their collaborative efforts with law enforcement partners statewide in addressing such incidents.
