The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) says one grizzly bear has been trapped, as they continue to trap any bears which could be linked to a fatal attack in Bella Coola.
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 an update posted to social media on Friday, the BCCOS said the trapped bear would be safely cared for while assessments are completed in coordination with wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.
The BCCOS 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. They add any bear confirmed to be responsible will be dispatched to protect public safety, while unrelated bears will be released.
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.
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