The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has issued an apology for the confusion caused by earlier reports, clarifying that the RCMP euthanized a bear that had attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge. The incident occurred on August 9 when the girl was playing on her family’s deck and was attacked by a black bear, which was subsequently scared off by one of her parents.
Maple Ridge RCMP revealed that the bear returned to the area multiple times while officers were present, leading them to fatally shoot the animal. However, a necropsy performed on the bear two days later confirmed that it was not the bear responsible for the attack, as initially believed.
In a video statement shared on social media, BCCOS Sgt. Jeremy Pauls announced that further investigations, including DNA analysis, concluded that the bear that was dispatched was indeed the one involved in the attack. Pauls expressed regret for the earlier confusion and commended the RCMP for their prompt response to protect public safety.
The victim, who was reported to have sustained non-life-altering injuries, is said to be recovering. Maple Ridge RCMP stated that they are always looking to enhance their protocols and equipment to better serve both officers and the public in similar situations.