Conservation officers in British Columbia have captured a second grizzly bear in Bella Coola, though it is yet to be determined if the bear was involved in the recent attack on a school group. Inspector Kevin Van Damme from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) confirmed this development during an interview with CBC’s Ian Hanomansing on Monday.
The bear will be immobilized for assessment, and evidence, including DNA samples, will be collected to ascertain if it matches materials from the attack scene or fits witness descriptions. The capture took place near the 4 Mile subdivision, where the attack occurred and where grizzlies are frequently sighted.
In a separate development earlier on Monday, another grizzly bear was trapped, although conclusive evidence linking it to the attack is still pending. The captured bear will be equipped with a GPS collar and relocated as a precaution. Officers have gathered various forms of evidence from the attack site, such as tracks, bite marks, hair samples, and forensic evidence from clothing to aid in determining the bears’ involvement.
The search for the three grizzly bears believed to be behind the November 20 attack continues. With two individuals critically injured and two others seriously hurt, the bears are still considered a threat to public safety, prompting residents to remain indoors and avoid the 4 Mile area.
Elected Chief Samuel Schooner of the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola announced an online fundraiser to support the affected families of the children and teacher involved in the attack. According to the BCCOS, investigations and witness accounts suggest that a grizzly sow and two cubs were likely responsible for the attack. Efforts are ongoing to safely trap the bears, collect DNA samples, and collaborate with wildlife experts to confirm their involvement.
Thermal imaging from an RCMP helicopter and the installation of trail cameras are aiding in the search, with the search area now limited to a few kilometers around the 4 Mile subdivision. Individuals with relevant information or bear sightings are urged to contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277.