UPDATE, Aug. 14 — The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has confirmed that the black bear euthanized on Aug. 9 in Maple Ridge, B.C., was not the bear responsible for attacking a three-year-old girl. Authorities are still searching for the bear involved in the incident.
The attack occurred while the young girl was playing on her family’s back deck. Her parent intervened and scared off the bear. Maple Ridge RCMP responded to the situation and shot what they thought was the same bear multiple times throughout the day. Subsequently, a necropsy revealed that the bear killed was not the culprit.
The child sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital. A specialized predator attack team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service is currently at the scene, urging the public to steer clear of the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with bear incidents, emphasizing that police lack the expertise and equipment to handle such situations effectively. He noted that tranquilizing bears is crucial for proper identification and safe containment, tasks better suited for conservation officers.
Expressing remorse over the necessity of euthanizing the bear, Maple Ridge RCMP stressed the gravity of their decision to ensure public safety. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife preservation and stated their commitment to reviewing protocols for future incidents.
Both Macquisten and Lesley Fox, Executive Director of The Fur-Bearers, advocated for increased resources for conservation officers to enhance wildlife response capabilities. They emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making and proper handling of wildlife encounters.
The Conservation Officer Service reaffirmed its dedication to prioritizing predator attacks and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to address wildlife-related incidents effectively.