The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has stated that following a reassessment of evidence, the analysis of new evidence, and DNA testing, it has confirmed that the black bear killed on August 9 is the one responsible for the attack on a three-year-old girl while she was playing on her family’s deck in Maple Ridge.
Authorities are continuing their search for the black bear that attacked the young girl in Maple Ridge, B.C. The incident occurred while the child was playing on the deck in her family’s backyard. A parent intervened and managed to drive the animal away.
Despite initial beliefs, the bear that was shot by the RCMP did not turn out to be the culprit. The Maple Ridge RCMP had to shoot the bear multiple times on the same day of the attack due to its aggressive behavior. Subsequently, the bear fled into a wooded area. A necropsy performed on the bear confirmed it was not responsible for the attack.
The child sustained non-life-altering injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital, as reported by the RCMP. Officials have advised the public to steer clear of the area, while a B.C. Conservation Officer Service predator attack team remains on-site.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten remarked that it was not surprising that the wrong bear was euthanized, emphasizing that the RCMP lacks expertise in dealing with bears compared to conservation officers. Macquisten highlighted the potential risks associated with injuring a bear rather than killing it outright.
Lesley Fox, executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, stressed the importance of making informed decisions under pressure and following proper identification protocols during such critical situations. Both Macquisten and Fox advocated for an increased presence of conservation officers to handle wildlife-related incidents effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to euthanize the bear, stating it was done to prevent further harm. The department acknowledged the significance of such decisions and assured that incidents are reviewed to enhance officer training and equipment for better service to the public.
The Conservation Officer Service reiterated that predator attacks are a top priority, underscoring their collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies across the province.