Officials in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, are continuing their search for the black bear responsible for attacking a three-year-old girl. The bear that was euthanized by RCMP was not the one involved in the incident. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported that the young girl was playing in her family’s backyard when the attack occurred, and one of her parents intervened to drive the bear away.
After the bear allegedly returned to the area multiple times and exhibited signs of aggression, law enforcement officers decided to shoot it to ensure public safety. The bear fled into a wooded area after being shot. A necropsy conducted on the bear revealed that it was not the same bear that attacked the girl.
The child sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital by the RCMP. A specialized predator attack team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service remains on-site, urging the public to steer clear of the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten commented that law enforcement officers, unlike conservation officers, lack expertise in bear behavior. He emphasized that using standard police-issue bullets may not effectively kill a bear on the first shot, potentially leading to a more dangerous situation if the bear is only injured. Fox, the executive director of The Fur-Bearers, highlighted the importance of accurate identification and scientific methods in dealing with such incidents.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to euthanize the bear, stating that they believed it was the correct bear and acted to prevent further harm. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife conservation and assured that such decisions are made after careful consideration. Both Macquisten and Fox called for increased resources for conservation officers to handle wildlife encounters effectively.