Jennifer Balcarras and her daughter Seleh Reed
British Columbia conservation officers confirmed yesterday that a grizzly sow and three cubs were responsible for the fatal attack that killed Jennifer Balcarras and her 20-year-old daughter Selah Reed near Bella Coola, B.C., earlier this month.
Inspector Jeff Tyre of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said forensic testing and DNA analysis conclusively linked the four animals to the attack on the Snooka West Trail. The sow was estimated to be in her late teens and the three offspring were cubs of the year. In accordance with provincial human-wildlife conflict guidelines, the bears were dispatched to protect public safety.
"They all had to be [killed], because bears that are involved in fatal attacks on people cannot be rehabilitated or relocated," explained Tyre. "This type of behaviour presents an extreme risk to the public, and such bears are dispatched to protect the public and prevent similar attacks in the future."
Tyre went on to say that more than a dozen officers were involved in tracking down the bears responsible for the attack across difficult terrain and weather conditions. He also said the attack “likely involved predatory behaviour,” describing the altercation as very rare.
“We don’t know how it started, but we know how it ended,” Tyre went on to say.
DNA data was also cross-referenced with samples from last year’s attack in the same area that included a group of school children. Those tests later confirmed that these four bears were not involved in the November 2025 attack, leaving that bear (or bears) potentially still at large.
Balcarras and Reed were reported missing on Nov. 1st after failing to return from a walk on the Snooka West Trail, a short drive from their home. Their remains were found the following two days, roughly 150 metres apart. The investigation into the attack itself has concluded, and trapping equipment has been removed from the area. Officials said further analysis will examine the response and the circumstances that led to the deaths.
The Nuxalk Nation has said they plan on continuing to work with local authorities and will provide support for residents as long as needed, which will include nighttime patrols, escorts for young children and ride services for those needing to get around.
Funeral services for Balcarras and Reed are scheduled for Nov. 12 in Cochrane, Alberta.
"We hope the efforts of everyone who responded, as well as these findings, bring some measure of closure," Tyre said. "Our thoughts remain with everyone affected."
