BELLA COOLA, B.C. – The intensive investigation into the grizzly bear attack that left four people badly injured in the Bella Coola Valley last month continues, with B.C. conservation officers confirming the capture of four more bears for forensic testing.
The provincial Conservation Officer Service (COS) announced in an online post on Wednesday that the four grizzly bears were safely captured overnight, and evidence is now being collected for testing to determine if they were involved in the November 20 incident. The attack occurred as a school group of approximately 20 students and staff ate lunch during a field trip, resulting in serious injuries to three children and one adult.
Investigation Continues After Initial Releases
The ongoing search for the responsible animal remains active, as forensic evidence has already ruled out four other grizzlies captured in the Bella Coola area last week.
The COS confirmed that those first four bears were successfully released, after forensic evidence confirmed they were not associated with the attack.
The newly captured bears are now subject to the same rigorous assessment. If forensic evidence confirms they are not associated with the attack, the bears will be relocated to an undisclosed location within their home range, far from the community, in coordination with wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian.
The COS stated that the animals are being fitted with GPS collars to monitor their movements after their release and that the bears are healthy and preparing to den for the winter.
Conservation officers remain in Bella Coola, urging residents to avoid the 4 Mile area and refrain from attempting to search for any bears themselves to ensure public safety.
