Officials are continuing their search for the black bear responsible for attacking a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The bear that was shot by the RCMP following the incident was confirmed not to be the culprit.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported that the young girl was playing on her family’s deck when the attack occurred. A parent intervened and scared the bear away.
Despite initial beliefs that the bear had returned to the area multiple times, the animal was shot by officers after displaying signs of aggression. It managed to flee into a wooded area post being hit. A necropsy performed on the bear showed it was not the one involved in the attack.
The child sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The Conservation Officer Service’s predator attack team remains on-site, urging the public to steer clear of the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten expressed no surprise that the wrong bear was euthanized, citing the lack of expertise among police officers in bear behavior compared to conservation officers. He emphasized the potential danger posed by injuring a bear rather than killing it outright.
Lesley Fox, executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, stressed the importance of accurate identification and scientific methods in such situations. Both Fox and Macquisten called for increased numbers of conservation officers to handle wildlife incidents effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to euthanize the bear, stating it was made to prevent further harm. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife loss and assured that such decisions are not made lightly.
The department is committed to reviewing incidents to enhance officer and public safety through improved training and equipment. The Conservation Officer Service highlighted that predator attacks are a top priority and underscored their collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies statewide.