British Columbia conservation officials confirmed on Tuesday that a grizzly bear was killed after a mother and daughter were found dead in a suspected attack near Bella Coola. The victims, Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her 20-year-old daughter Selah Reed, were discovered in the Snooka West Trail area over two consecutive days, with Balcarras’ remains found on Monday and Reed’s on Tuesday.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and B.C. Conservation Officer Service led the search effort, which began after family members reported the pair missing on November 1. Balcarras’ vehicle was located at the trailhead on Sunday, prompting a wellness check. Authorities have not disclosed the exact circumstances of the attack but stated that evidence suggests a bear was involved.
Bear assessment and public safety measures
Inspector Jeff Tyre of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service announced the discovery of the victims and confirmed that efforts to locate and assess any bears in the area were underway. Tyre stated that captured bears would be evaluated, and if determined to have been involved in the attack, would be dispatched in accordance with provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines to protect public safety. The Snooka West Trail remains closed to the public while the investigation continues.
Family members described Balcarras and Reed as close, with Reed being Balcarras’ youngest child and her only daughter. Balcarras, an art therapist and grandmother, was known for her love of hiking, painting, and music. Reed, 20, shared these interests and was described by relatives as her mother’s “two peas in a pod.” The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Search and recovery timeline
The search began after Balcarras failed to attend an online meet-up scheduled for Saturday evening. Concerned relatives contacted authorities, who conducted a wellness check on Sunday morning. Balcarras’ vehicle was found at the trailhead, and search teams, including conservation officers and RCMP, expanded efforts over the following days. The trail, located just five minutes from the family’s home, is not considered remote but is a known area for wildlife activity.
Authorities have not confirmed the number of bears involved in the incident. Tyre urged the public to avoid the Snooka West Trail area until further notice. The investigation remains active, with no additional details released about the cause of the attack or the bear’s behavior prior to the incident.