By Fatma Younis
A mother and daughter have died following a suspected grizzly bear attack in the Canadian province of British Columbia, their family announced.
Victims identified
The women were identified as Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her daughter Selah Reed, 20. They were reported missing on 1 November after failing to return from a short afternoon walk, the family said.
Search and discovery
Their remains were found in a trail area near Bella Coola, according to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS). Balcarras's remains were located on Monday and Reed's on Tuesday during search efforts by conservation officers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Investigation ongoing
Jeff Tyre, an inspector with the BCCOS, said evidence at the scene suggested an animal may have been involved. It is not yet clear if more than one bear was involved. Any captured bear will be assessed and, if found responsible, dispatched according to provincial human-wildlife conflict guidelines.
Background on grizzly bears in region
Grizzly bears are listed as a species of special concern under federal legislation. Between 10,000 and 13,000 are estimated to live in British Columbia, where they are classified as vulnerable. Conflicts with humans are relatively rare unless bears are startled or protecting cubs and food.
Recent attacks and hunting ban debate
Several attacks have occurred in recent years. In October 2025, a grizzly injured two hikers in the McGregor Mountain area, one fatally. The following month, a bear attacked a school group in the Bella Coola area, injuring 11 people. The BC Wildlife Federation has linked rising conflicts to the 2017 ban on sport hunting of grizzlies, arguing that without hunting pressure, bears and humans increasingly share the same spaces.
