Officials are continuing their search for the black bear that assaulted a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge, B.C., as it was confirmed that the bear killed by the RCMP was not the culprit. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported that the attack occurred while the young girl was playing on her family’s backyard deck, with one of her parents stepping in to scare the bear away.
Maple Ridge RCMP stated that the bear, believed to be the one responsible, returned to the area multiple times that day. Subsequently, the officers shot the bear to ensure public safety after displaying signs of aggression, causing it to flee into a wooded section. However, a necropsy conducted on the bear revealed it was not the same bear involved in the attack.
The injured girl was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the RCMP. A predator attack team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service remains on-site, urging the public to steer clear of the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten remarked that it was not surprising that the wrong bear was euthanized, emphasizing that the RCMP lacks expertise in bear behavior compared to conservation officers. He highlighted the challenges posed by using bullets that may not kill the bear instantly, potentially making an injured bear more dangerous.
Lesley Fox, the executive director of wildlife conservation group The Fur-Bearers, stressed the importance of accurate identification and scientific methods in urgent situations involving wildlife. Both Fox and Macquisten advocated for increased conservation officer presence to handle wildlife incidents effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to eliminate the bear, stating it was made to prevent further harm. They acknowledged the significance of wildlife preservation and assured that such decisions were not taken lightly. The department mentioned ongoing reviews to enhance officer training and equipment for better public service.
The Conservation Officer Service expressed that predator attacks are a top priority and underscored their collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies statewide.