UPDATE: The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has confirmed that the bear killed on Aug. 9 in Maple Ridge is not the same bear responsible for attacking a three-year-old girl while she was playing on her family’s deck.
Authorities are continuing their search for the black bear involved in the attack. The incident occurred when the young girl was playing outside, and one of her parents intervened to scare the bear away.
After multiple visits by what was believed to be the same bear on the day of the attack, law enforcement officers shot and killed it due to perceived aggression. However, a subsequent necropsy revealed it was not the bear involved in the initial incident.
The child sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital. A specialized predator attack team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service remains on the scene, urging the public to steer clear of the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten emphasized the lack of expertise among law enforcement officers in dealing with bear behavior compared to conservation officers. He highlighted the potential dangers of injuring a bear with inadequate ammunition, as wounded bears can pose greater risks.
Both Macquisten and Lesley Fox of The Fur-Bearers stressed the importance of accurate identification and proper handling of wildlife incidents. They advocated for increased resources for conservation officers to improve response to such situations.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to euthanize the bear, citing the need to prevent further harm. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife conservation and stated they continuously evaluate their procedures for better public service.
The Conservation Officer Service reiterated its commitment to prioritizing predator attacks and collaborating with law enforcement agencies statewide to address wildlife-related emergencies.