During short walk near home, suspected grizzly bear attack kills mother Jennifer Balcarras and daughter Selah Reed

Search finds mother and daughter

Teams from the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police found Balcarras’s remains on Monday, then Reed’s body on Tuesday. The women were 48 and 20 years old, respectively.

Investigators assess possible attack

Jeff Tyre, an inspector with the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service, said evidence at the scene indicated a possible animal attack. The agency said any bear captured would be examined. The service said that if a bear is found responsible, it will be killed to protect public safety, in line with provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines.

Family remembers close bond

Balcarras’s brother, Josh Balcarras, described the mother and daughter as “two peas in a pod” who shared many interests and got along very well. He said relatives first grew concerned when the pair did not return or answer calls.

Josh Balcarras said the situation felt surreal. He described how a few hours without contact became a day, then a night, and eventually a second night.

Community mourns counsellor

The Central Coast Teachers’ Association said she joined its school community as a counsellor in August. The association said her kindness, dedication and care had made a lasting impression.

Earlier bear attacks in area

The deaths have heightened concern in Bella Coola, where a grizzly injured 11 schoolchildren and teachers last year. That bear was not found despite an extensive search.