Four Grizzly Bears Confirmed In Fatal Attack That Killed Mother And Daughter Near Bella Coola

Conservation officials in British Columbia have confirmed that four grizzly bears were involved in the fatal attack that killed a mother and her daughter near Bella Coola earlier this month.

Officials said forensic and DNA testing confirmed that the four grizzly bears captured over the past several days were directly involved in the deadly incident. The bears included a female grizzly and her three cubs.

All four bears have been euthanized to ensure public safety, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said.

The victims were identified as 48-year-old Jennifer Balcarras and her 20-year-old daughter, Selah Reed. The two went hiking on the Snuqa West Trail on November 1, just minutes from their home.

When they failed to return, their family reported them missing. During the search, conservation officers recovered the mother's body in the trail area on November 2. Her daughter's body was found in the same area the following day.

The investigation later confirmed that all four bears were involved in the fatal attack.