Four grizzly bears that were captured are set to be relocated following forensic evidence ruling out their involvement in an attack on a school group in Bella Coola, B.C. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) announced plans to collaborate with wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian to move the bears within their natural habitat, away from Bella Coola, located approximately 420 kilometers northwest of Vancouver.
The captured bears were not connected to the incident where a group of 20 individuals, including three children and a teacher, were severely injured by a grizzly sow and her two cubs during a field trip on November 20. Drones equipped with thermal cameras are currently being deployed to locate any bears that may have been part of the attack.
In Bella Coola, efforts are being made to track down the bears involved in the incident. The region, particularly near the 4 Mile subdivision on Nuxalk Nation’s traditional lands, has a relatively high bear population, with around 22 bears per 1,000 square kilometers based on provincial assessments. Sgt. Jeff Tyre of the BCCOS emphasized the importance of safely capturing the bears, gathering DNA samples, and consulting wildlife experts to ascertain their involvement in the attack. Tyre highlighted the risks associated with trapping bears, describing it as one of the most perilous tasks they undertake.
No definitive decisions have been made regarding the fate of the bears responsible for the attack, as confirmed by Tyre during a recent press briefing. BCCOS Insp. Kevin Van Damme mentioned that the motive behind the bear’s aggression remains unknown until further investigation is conducted post-capture. The public has been advised to avoid the area and refrain from attempting to locate the bears independently.