British Columbia Authorities Investigate Fatal Grizzly Bear Attack Near Bella Coola

Conservation officers in British Columbia are investigating the deaths of a mother and daughter found near a trail in Bella Coola after a suspected grizzly bear attack this week.

Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her 20-year-old daughter, Selah Reed, were reported missing on November 1 after failing to return from a walk. Their remains were discovered on Monday and Tuesday.

The incident has prompted local safety measures, including a recommended 8 p.m. curfew issued by the Nuxalk Nation and the deployment of bear-capture equipment by provincial conservation authorities.

“We understand a fatal grizzly bear attack can generate many questions and concerns in the communities and beyond,” said Jeff Tyre, an inspector with the BC Conservation Officer Service.

“I can assure you, a thorough investigation is being conducted to try and find answers as to what may have led to the attack,” Tyre said.

Authorities are working to determine if one or more bears were involved in the attack, which occurred approximately 8 kilometers east of the community of Bella Coola.

Officials are also considering whether the incident is linked to a 2025 attack in the same region that injured 11 people, though investigators cautioned that no conclusions have been reached.

“We do have the DNA from the last attack site and we will be working to collect DNA; that would be the only linkage we could put toward that,” said Tyre.

Reports of the victims' ages varied among outlets, with The Guardian and BBC identifying Reed as 20, while The Globe and Mail reported she was 19.

Balcarras had recently moved to the area to pursue a new career. Her family described the mother and daughter as being very close, noting they often shared outdoor activities.

Grizzly bears are common in the region, which is known as the Great Bear rainforest. The province estimates between 10,000 and 13,000 grizzly bears live in British Columbia.

Conservation officers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are conducting night patrols in the area while the investigation continues to determine the next steps regarding the bears involved.