Officials are continuing their search for the black bear responsible for attacking a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge, B.C. The bear that was killed by the RCMP was not the culprit. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported that the girl was playing on her family’s deck when the attack occurred, and one of her parents intervened to scare off the bear.
The Maple Ridge RCMP believed the bear returned to the area multiple times on the day of the incident, prompting officers to shoot it due to signs of aggression. The bear fled into a wooded area after being shot. However, a necropsy revealed that it was not the bear that attacked the girl.
The young girl sustained non-life-altering injuries and was taken to the hospital by the RCMP. A predator attack team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service remains on-site, urging the public to avoid the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten commented that it was not surprising the wrong bear was killed, highlighting that police officers lack the expertise in bear behavior compared to conservation officers. He pointed out that using certain bullets may not effectively kill a bear, potentially making the situation more dangerous if the bear is only injured.
Lesley Fox, the executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, stressed the importance of making informed decisions in such situations. She emphasized the need for proper evidence and scientific methods in wildlife management.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their actions, stating that they believed they had the correct bear and made the decision to protect public safety. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife loss and mentioned that such decisions are always made thoughtfully. The department stated that they regularly review incidents to enhance officer training and equipment for better service.
Both Macquisten and Fox called for more conservation officers to handle wildlife calls effectively. The Conservation Officer Service reiterated that predator attacks are a top priority and highlighted their collaborative efforts with law enforcement partners.