Four grizzly bears have been linked by DNA evidence to the deaths of a mother and daughter near Bella Coola, B.C., in what officials describe as a rare attack involving predatory behaviour.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service said the animals were a female grizzly and her three yearling cubs.
All four bears were killed after forensic testing connected them to the fatal incident.
The finding marks a major update in the investigation, which began after the two women were reported missing in early November.
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Four bears connected through DNA evidence
Conservation officers captured the female grizzly and three young bears in the Bella Coola area over several days as they searched for the animals responsible.
Testing conclusively linked each of the four bears to the attack, according to Inspector Jeff Tyre of the Conservation Officer Service.
Officials said the DNA results also showed that the bears were not responsible for a separate grizzly attack on a school group in Bella Coola in 2025.
That earlier incident injured 11 people, including several children and teachers, and had prompted a separate search for the bear believed to be involved.
Officials describe rare predatory behaviour
Tyre said the latest attack likely involved predatory behaviour directed at humans, although officials have not released detailed evidence describing how the attack unfolded.
Predatory attacks are different from defensive encounters, which can occur when a bear is surprised, feels threatened or is protecting food or cubs.
The classification is significant because bears that deliberately target people may pose an ongoing risk to public safety, particularly if they have learned to associate humans with food.
The Conservation Officer Service said the decision to kill the four bears was made to protect people in the community.
What happened near Bella Coola
The victims were identified by relatives as Jenny Balcarras and her adult daughter, Selah Reed.
Their remains were found last week in the Snooka West Trail area, outside the northern B.C. community.
The two sets of remains were located about 150 metres apart during a search involving the RCMP, conservation officers and local responders.
The investigation followed concerns raised after the women could not be reached and were reported missing.
The deaths have deeply affected the Bella Coola Valley, where residents have dealt with repeated bear incidents in and around the community over the past year.
Public warnings remain in place
Authorities had urged residents to stay away from the West Snooka Trail area while trapping and forensic work continued.
Local safety measures also included a voluntary curfew and escorts for children travelling to school as officers worked to determine whether more than one bear was involved.
The Conservation Officer Service has now confirmed the number of bears connected to the fatal attack, but officials have not indicated that all restrictions in the area have been lifted.
Residents and visitors should follow B.C.’s bear safety guidance, local closures, warnings and directions from conservation officers, the RCMP and community authorities.
British Columbia advises people to report bears that pose an immediate threat to public safety through the Conservation Officer Service’s reporting information and RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
Why Bella Coola faces recurring bear conflicts
Bella Coola is surrounded by extensive grizzly habitat, and the wider valley is known for regular bear activity.
BC Parks information on Tweedsmuir Park and bear safety identifies the Bella Coola and Atnarko valleys as important bear habitat and warns that people should take particular care while hiking, fishing and camping.
Bear activity can increase when animals are feeding heavily before winter, especially in areas with salmon, natural food sources or unsecured attractants.
Wildlife officials generally assess each bear conflict individually, using evidence from the scene, witness accounts, animal behaviour and forensic testing to identify the animal involved.
Investigation separates two Bella Coola attacks
The DNA findings mean the four bears killed in connection with the deaths of Balcarras and Reed were not the same animals responsible for the 2025 school-group attack, according to conservation officials.
That distinction closes one major question in the latest investigation while leaving the earlier attack as a separate unresolved wildlife-management case.
The latest incident has renewed attention on how communities in bear habitat can respond when encounters become frequent or dangerous.
For now, authorities are asking people in the Bella Coola area to remain alert, avoid restricted trails and report aggressive or unusually persistent bear behaviour promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bears were linked to the Bella Coola attack?
Four grizzly bears were linked through DNA testing: a female and her three yearling cubs.
What happened to the four grizzly bears?
All four bears were killed by conservation officers to protect public safety.
Who were the victims?
The victims were identified as Jenny Balcarras and her adult daughter, Selah Reed.
Where were the remains found?
The remains were found in the Snooka West Trail area near Bella Coola, about 150 metres apart.
Were these bears involved in the 2025 Bella Coola school attack?
No. Officials said DNA testing showed the four bears were not responsible for that earlier attack.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against British Columbia wildlife-safety and park information, alongside current official statements reported by conservation authorities.
Disclaimer: The investigation and local safety measures may change as authorities release additional information.