After a thorough re-evaluation of evidence, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has confirmed that the bear eliminated on August 9 is indeed the bear accountable for the assault on a three-year-old girl while she was playing on her family’s deck in Maple Ridge. Authorities are still in pursuit of the black bear that attacked the young girl as they determined that the bear put down by the RCMP was not the culprit.
The incident occurred while the child was engaged in play on the deck of her residence, and one of her guardians intervened, scaring the bear away. Despite being shot by officers due to exhibiting aggressive behavior upon returning to the area multiple times, the bear managed to escape into a wooded region after the encounter. A subsequent necropsy revealed that the bear was not the one responsible for the attack.
The girl sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment. 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.
Not surprised by the mistaken identity, wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten highlighted that law enforcement lacks the expertise in bear behavior possessed by conservation officers. Macquisten stressed that the caliber of bullets used by police is often ineffective in instantly killing bears, potentially leading to more dangerous situations if the animal is merely injured.
While acknowledging the need for swift action in such scenarios, Lesley Fox, the executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, emphasized the importance of accurate identification and evidence-based decision-making in dealing with wildlife incidents. Both Fox and Macquisten advocated for increased presence of conservation officers to handle wildlife-related emergencies effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their actions, citing public safety concerns as the primary reason for the bear’s dispatch. They emphasized the gravity of such decisions and the collaborative efforts with the Conservation Officer Service in handling wildlife encounters during seasonal bear activity.
As investigations continue, the Conservation Officer Service reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing predator attacks and working closely with law enforcement agencies statewide.