Officials are still in search of the black bear that assaulted a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on Sunday. Despite the RCMP eliminating a bear, it was confirmed that it was not the one responsible for the attack.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service disclosed that the young girl was playing on her family’s backyard deck when the incident occurred. A parent intervened and scared off the animal.
The Maple Ridge RCMP reported that the bear they initially thought was responsible returned multiple times while the police were present. When the bear displayed signs of aggression, officers shot it to ensure public safety. The bear fled into a wooded area after being shot.
Following a necropsy conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Parks, it was determined that the bear killed was not the one involved in the attack. The girl sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital, according to the RCMP.
A predator attack team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service remains on-site, and the public is advised to steer clear of the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten noted that it was not surprising that the wrong bear was euthanized, emphasizing that the RCMP lacks expertise in bear behavior compared to conservation officers. The use of certain bullets by police may lead to bear injuries rather than immediate death, which could pose a greater risk.
Lesley Fox, the executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, stressed the importance of proper identification and evidence in decision-making during urgent wildlife situations. Both Fox and Macquisten advocated for increased conservation officers to handle wildlife calls effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to dispatch the bear, emphasizing the importance of preventing further harm. They acknowledged that wildlife encounters are not common for officers but are more frequent during bear activity seasons. The department mentioned that incident reviews are conducted to enhance officer training and equipment for better public service.
The Conservation Officer Service highlighted that predator attacks are a top priority, working closely with law enforcement partners throughout the province.