In brief
Authorities in British Columbia are on the trail where a mother and her 20‑year‑old daughter were discovered dead early this week, holding a suspect grizzly bear. Inspector Jeff Tyre confirmed no bear had been captured, but officers are searching the area and urging the public to stay away. Earlier investigations of a 2025 student field‑trip attack are still open.
Police and conservation officers in British Columbia are searching for at least one bear after a mother and her adult daughter were found dead in a suspected bear attack on the Snooka West Trail near Bella Coola on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
Inspector Jeff Tyre of the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service told reporters in a video press call Wednesday that no bears had yet been caught, but officers are on the trail where the bodies were recovered. He added, “We do not know if more than one bear may have been involved in the attack.”
Jayme Kennedy, chair of the Central Coast Regional District Board, said in a statement, “Words cannot adequately express the sorrow we feel for the family and loved ones of these two individuals. This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire community.”
The Nuxalk Nation’s Chief and Council have recommended a voluntary 8 p.m. curfew for the surrounding community, emphasizing the need for residents to stay away from the dangerous trail area.
Authorities have warned the public that any bears they capture will be assessed. Those unrelated to the attack “will be released,” Tyre said, adding that "those involved in will be dispatched to protect public safety."
The attack comes nearly a year after a grizzly bear attacked a group of elementary school students and teachers during a field trip in Bella Coola, injuring 11 people, including four seriously. A search for the responsible bear was called off in December.
U.P.I. reports that the investigation is ongoing, and officials are urging anyone in the area to stay clear of the trail until they can confirm the safety of the site.
