Authorities are continuing their search for the black bear that attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The bear that was killed by the RCMP was confirmed not to be the culprit. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported that the young girl was playing on her family’s back deck when the incident occurred. A parent intervened and scared the bear away.
The Maple Ridge RCMP mentioned that the bear believed to be responsible returned to the area multiple times on the same day. After displaying signs of aggression, officers shot the bear to ensure public safety. The bear fled into a wooded area after being hit. A necropsy conducted on the bear revealed it was not the one involved in the attack.
The girl sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital, as stated by the RCMP. A predator attack team from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service remains at the scene, urging the public to steer clear of the area.
Wildlife veterinarian Ken Macquisten commented that it was not surprising the wrong bear was euthanized, highlighting that the RCMP lack expertise in bear behavior compared to conservation officers. He expressed concerns that police bullets may injure rather than kill bears, potentially escalating the danger posed by injured animals.
Lesley Fox, the executive director of The Fur-Bearers wildlife conservation group, emphasized the importance of accurate identification and scientific methods in such situations. Both Fox and Macquisten advocated for more conservation officers to handle wildlife incidents effectively.
Maple Ridge RCMP defended their decision to dispatch the bear, emphasizing the priority of preventing further harm. They assured that such decisions are made with seriousness and in collaboration with the Conservation Officer Service. The department mentioned ongoing reviews to enhance officer training and equipment for better public service.
Overall, the incident underscores the challenges of managing wildlife encounters and the necessity for coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies and conservation authorities.
