Mother and Daughter Killed in Suspected Grizzly Bear Attack in B.C.

A mother and daughter have died in a suspected grizzly bear attack in the Bella Coola area of British Columbia. The victims have been identified as 48-year-old Jennifer Balcarres and her 20-year-old daughter, Sela Reid.

The two women went hiking along the Snooka West Trail on Saturday afternoon, about a five-minute walk from their home. However, when they failed to return, their family reported them missing on Sunday.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service found Jennifer's body in the trail area on Monday, while her daughter's body was recovered on Tuesday.

Jennifer worked as an art therapist, while her daughter was employed as an educational assistant.

Notably, the same area witnessed another bear attack in November 2025, when a bear attacked a group of elementary school students and teachers. Four people, including three children, were seriously injured in that incident.