The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has confirmed that the bear killed on August 9 in Maple Ridge is not the same bear that attacked a three-year-old girl while she was playing on her family’s deck. The search continues for the bear responsible for the attack.
According to officials, the young girl was on the deck when the bear attacked, and one of her parents intervened to chase the animal away. Despite initial beliefs, the bear that was shot by the RCMP and subsequently necropsied was not the culprit.
The girl sustained non-life-altering injuries and was taken to the hospital. A predator attack team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service remains on-site, urging the public to avoid the area.
Veterinarian Ken Macquisten expressed that it was not surprising that the wrong bear was killed, emphasizing that police officers lack the expertise of conservation officers when it comes to bear behavior. He highlighted the potential risks of injuring a bear rather than killing it in such situations.
Lesley Fox, executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, stressed the importance of making informed decisions under pressure and using proper evidence and scientific methods in wildlife encounters. Both Fox and Macquisten advocated for more resources for conservation officers to handle wildlife incidents effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to dispatch the bear, stating it was done to prevent further harm. They acknowledged the significance of losing wildlife but emphasized the need to prioritize public safety in such situations. The department assured that incidents are reviewed to enhance training and equipment for officers.
The Conservation Officer Service reiterated that predator attacks are a top priority, highlighting their collaborative efforts with law enforcement partners across the province.
