DNA links four grizzly bears to fatal Bella Coola attack that killed mother and daughter, B.C. says

The Story

B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service says four grizzly bears captured in Bella Coola in recent days were all involved in a deadly attack that killed a mother and her adult daughter in the community earlier this month.

Investigation lead Insp. Jeff Tyre said DNA tests conclusively linked a female grizzly and her three yearling cubs to the attack, and the bears were killed to protect the public. He said the attack likely involved predatory behaviour, which he described as very rare. “Our investigation also found that this attack likely involved predatory behaviour, which I can tell you is very rare,” Tyre said. “That is to say, we don't know how it started, but we know how it ended.”

Jenny Balcarras, an art therapist, and her adult daughter, Selah Reed, were found last week about 150 metres apart, after they were reported missing on Nov. 1. Their remains were found in an area of trails outside the northern B.C. community, where local authorities had imposed a voluntary curfew and police had been escorting children to school in the wake of the attack.

Tyre said the DNA tests showed the bears were not involved in a 2025 attack in the same area of Bella Coola. That earlier incident involved a grizzly attack on a group of about 20 elementary school students and teachers in November 2025, leaving an adult and three children badly injured.

Tyre said bears involved in fatal attacks on people cannot be rehabilitated or relocated, calling such behaviour an extreme risk to the public. He said the bears were dispatched to protect the public and prevent similar attacks in the future.

Nuxalk Nation elected Chief Councillor Tlhmtimut Samuel Schooner said the investigation into the recent deaths was carried out “with the utmost care and respect.” He added that the attack has been deeply “re-triggering” for community members as they continue to recover from last year’s attack, and said community supports for victims’ families remain in place.

Nicholas Scapillati, executive director of the B.C.-based Grizzly Bear Foundation, said the situation in Bella Coola was “extremely challenging,” and praised the Conservation Officer Service’s investigation and work to support rural communities co-existing with grizzly bears. He said B.C.’s Bear Smart program is effective but added that the B.C. government paused efforts related to the program this past year.

Scapillati said the timing of the attack was significant, noting that bears are heading toward hibernation and their behaviour is different at this time of year. He urged co-existence and safety messaging for people in western Canada and western North America who live close to grizzlies.

Schooner also issued a statement saying the First Nation was thankful to the conservation officer service for finding the bears and bringing some resolution to the community. The statement advised people to take necessary precautions outdoors, stay close to young children, and ensure their spaces are free of attractants.