A grizzly bear was safely captured earlier this morning, Monday, Nov. 24, in Bella Coola as the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) continues a search for multiple bears following last week’s attack.<\/p>\n
According to an update by BCCOS on social media, officers assessed the captured bear and compared evidence from the attack scene with material collected from the animal. However, the BCCOS says the findings are not conclusive enough to determine whether this bear was involved in the attack.<\/p>\n
The agency says the bear will be fitted with a GPS collar and relocated with support from wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.<\/p>\n
Efforts remain underway to locate and capture three additional grizzly bears, BCCOS says.<\/p>\n
“These bears are still considered a danger to the public and we ask residents to avoid the 4 Mile area, stay indoors and not search for the bears themselves,” BCCOS Insp. Kevin Van Damme said.<\/p>\n
The situation remains fluid as officers work tirelessly to capture and identify any bears involved. We also continue to support the Nuxalk Nation throughout these efforts.”<\/p>\n
Four people were seriously injured, one adult and three children, after an attack on Thursday, Nov. 20 in the Bella Coola Valley. The victims were part of a group of students and teachers who stopped along a trail near a river when the attack took place.<\/p>\n
Residents are urged to report any bear sightings or information to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.<\/p>\n