One grizzly bear has been trapped as conservation officers work to capture any bears that could be linked to a fatal attack near Bella Coola, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) said.
Two victims of the suspected attack were located deceased by the BCCOS last week. They were later identified as Jenny Balcarras and Selah Reed.
In a social media update Friday, the service said the bear would be safely cared for while assessments are done with wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.
The BCCOS said it uses a range of tools, such as forensic DNA matching, distinctive physical measurements and other animal-specific characteristics to determine which bears are involved in attacks.
Any bear confirmed to be responsible will be killed to protect public safety, and bears found to be unrelated will be released, the service said.
Conservation Officers also have forensic and other evidence from another attack in Bella Coola which occurred in November 2025, which will also be compared with evidence from any captured bears undergoing assessment.
A team of Officers remains on the ground in Bella Coola to continue trapping efforts.
The public is urged to avoid the West Snooka Trail area, as bear sightings have been reported near the area of attack.
