Authorities are still on the lookout for the black bear responsible for attacking a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The bear that was euthanized by the RCMP was not the culprit behind the attack. The incident occurred while the young girl was playing on her family’s backyard deck, and one of her parents intervened to scare off the animal.
After the bear returned to the area multiple times and displayed signs of aggression, the police decided to shoot it to ensure public safety. The bear fled into a wooded area after being shot and was later retrieved for a necropsy, which confirmed it was not the bear involved in the attack. The girl sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
A predator attack team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service remains at the scene, urging the public to steer clear of the area. Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten expressed his lack of surprise at the mistaken identity of the bear that was killed, emphasizing that police officers are not bear experts like conservation officers. He highlighted the potential risks of injuring a bear rather than killing it, as an injured bear could pose greater danger.
Lesley Fox, the executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, stressed the importance of making informed decisions and following proper procedures during wildlife encounters. Both Macquisten and Fox called for increased resources for conservation officers to handle wildlife incidents effectively.
In response to criticisms, Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to euthanize the bear, stating that it was done to prevent further harm. The department acknowledged the significance of wildlife preservation and assured that incidents are thoroughly reviewed to enhance officer training and equipment. The Conservation Officer Service reiterated its commitment to prioritizing predator attacks and collaborating with law enforcement partners to address wildlife issues effectively.