The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has issued an apology for the confusion caused by the recent incident in Maple Ridge, where the RCMP shot a bear that had attacked a three-year-old girl. Initially, the BCCOS reported that the bear killed by the RCMP was not the one responsible for the attack.
According to the BCCOS, the girl was playing on her family’s deck when a black bear attacked her on August 9. The bear was scared off by one of her parents. Subsequently, Maple Ridge RCMP officers shot the bear after it returned to the area multiple times.
After a necropsy was performed on the bear, it was determined that it was indeed the same bear involved in the attack. BCCOS Sgt. Jeremy Pauls clarified this in a video statement, mentioning that further investigations, including DNA analysis, confirmed the bear’s identity.
Pauls expressed regret for the confusion caused by the initial assessment and thanked the RCMP for their swift response in ensuring public safety. The girl, who was reported to have non-life-altering injuries, is said to be recovering.
Following the revelation, Maple Ridge RCMP stated that they would review the incident to explore potential enhancements in training and equipment to better serve both officers and the community.