Wildlife officials in British Columbia recently captured a grizzly bear near Bella Coola following an attack that caused concern among locals.
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) acted swiftly after the incident, but there is uncertainty regarding whether the captured bear was responsible for the attack. Despite thorough assessments and comparisons of evidence, conclusive proof linking the bear to the incident remains elusive.
In a statement shared on social media, the BCCOS announced plans to relocate the captured bear after equipping it with a GPS sensor for tracking purposes.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and capture three other grizzly bears believed to be connected to the attack, which resulted in serious injuries to three students and a teacher. The incident occurred against a backdrop of increased grizzly bear encounters reported by residents in the area.
Corey Van Andel, a local resident, highlighted a rise in bear-related house break-ins, noting a shift in the animals’ behavior towards being more comfortable approaching human settlements.
Concerns over the growing aggression of bears in Bella Coola have prompted residents to urge vigilance and caution. Authorities advise anyone who spots bears in the area to contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 877-952-7277.