The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) said a female grizzly bear and her three cubs have been killed after an attack that left two hikers dead near Bella Coola.
The bodies of the two victims were found last week near the Snooka West Trail. They were later identified as Jenny Balcarras, 48, and her daughter Selah Reed, 20.
Inspector Jeff Tyre said Tuesday that forensic testing determined the bears were all actively involved in the attack.
He said the attack likely involved “predatory behaviour” by the grizzlies, which he said is very rare.
“This was a heartbreaking event for the families, as well as the Nuxalk Nation and the Bella Coola community,” said Tyre. “We hope the efforts of everyone who responded, along with these findings, bring some measure of closure.”
Tyre said DNA testing confirmed that the bears were not involved in a separate attack last year on a school group in Bella Coola that injured three children and one adult.
Samuel Schooner, Chief Councillor of the Nuxalk Nation, said the incident has been “deeply re-triggering” for community members after last year’s attack.
He asked that people respect the privacy of the family and community members.
