Officials are continuing their search for the black bear responsible for attacking a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The bear that was shot and killed by RCMP was not the same bear involved in the attack.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported that the young girl was playing on her family’s backyard deck when the incident occurred. A parent intervened and scared the bear away from the scene. Despite believing they had the correct bear, Maple Ridge RCMP officers shot the animal multiple times to protect public safety after it displayed aggressive behavior. The bear managed to escape into a wooded area following the confrontation.
Following a necropsy conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Parks, it was confirmed that the bear shot by the police was not the one responsible for the attack. The injured girl was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service specializing in predator attacks remains on-site, urging the public to steer clear of the area. Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten expressed little surprise at the mistaken identity of the bear, highlighting that police officers lack the expertise in bear behavior possessed by conservation officers. Macquisten emphasized that using standard police bullets often results in injuring rather than killing bears, potentially escalating the danger posed by the animals.
Lesley Fox, executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, stressed the importance of proper identification and evidence in such urgent situations. Both Fox and Macquisten advocated for increased numbers of conservation officers to handle wildlife incidents effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to euthanize the bear, citing the need to prevent further harm. The department assured that wildlife encounters are not routine for their officers and that they collaborate with the Conservation Officer Service during such incidents. They also mentioned a commitment to reviewing incidents to enhance officer training and equipment for better public service.
The Conservation Officer Service reiterated its priority in responding to predator attacks and its collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies throughout the province.