Suspected Bear Attack Kills Mother and Daughter Near Bella Coola
A mother and daughter were found dead near Bella Coola, B.C., after a suspected grizzly bear attack. Officers say more than one bear may have been involved.
- Relatives reported Balcarras and Reed missing after a short walk.
- Balcarras's remains were found Monday; Reed's were found Tuesday.
- 8 km east of Bella Coola: the Snooka West trail area.
- Authorities imposed a curfew on the community during the bear search.
Why it matters: The deaths hit a small, remote town still dealing with last year's grizzly attack on a school group. That bear was never found.
- 11 people were injured in that November attack near 4 Mile.
- 10,000 to 13,000 grizzlies are estimated to live in the province.
How 16 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage points to different possible drivers of bear conflict: the BC Wildlife Federation cites the 2017 grizzly hunting ban, while bear-safety consultant Kim Titchener cites habitat loss and drought.
Center coverage, 7 sources: The center sets the deaths against the province's bear population and the debate over whether the hunting ban has increased conflicts.
Left coverage, 4 sources: The left focuses on the investigation's finding that multiple grizzlies may have been involved, and on habitat and climate pressures on bears.
Right coverage, 5 sources: The right centers the family's grief and their account that the women were on a familiar, routine walk close to home.
What’s next: Inspector Jeff Tyre said trapping is underway and no bears have been captured yet.
- Any bear found responsible will be killed to protect public safety.
- Officials told the public to stay out of the area.
- Was more than one bear involved in the attack?
- Is either bear connected to last year's school-group attack?
