The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) issued an apology for causing confusion after discovering that the RCMP had euthanized a bear that had reportedly attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge earlier this month. According to the BCCOS, the incident occurred on August 9 when the girl was playing on her family’s deck and was attacked by a black bear. Subsequently, one of her parents managed to scare the bear away.
Following the incident, Maple Ridge RCMP reported that the bear had returned multiple times to the vicinity while officers were present, leading them to fatally shoot the animal. However, two days later, a necropsy performed on the bear revealed that it was not the same bear responsible for the attack, as stated by the BCCOS.
In a video statement released on Friday, BCCOS Sgt. Jeremy Pauls confirmed that after further investigation, including DNA analysis and reassessment of evidence, it was determined that the bear that was euthanized was indeed the one involved in the attack. Pauls expressed regret for the earlier confusion caused by the BCCOS and acknowledged the swift response of the RCMP in safeguarding public safety.
Moreover, Pauls mentioned that the victim, who Maple Ridge RCMP had reported to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries, is currently recuperating. Following the initial assessment by the BCCOS, Maple Ridge RCMP stated in a response to CBC News that they always review such incidents to identify potential improvements in training or equipment for the benefit of officers and the community.