The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) issued an apology for causing confusion, clarifying that the RCMP had euthanized a bear involved in the attack on 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. The bear was subsequently scared off by one of her parents.
Maple Ridge RCMP reported that the bear returned to the area multiple times while officers were present, leading them to shoot the bear. However, a necropsy performed on the bear two days later revealed that it was not the bear responsible for the attack.
In a video statement shared on social media on Friday, BCCOS Sgt. Jeremy Pauls confirmed that after further investigation, including DNA analysis, they determined that the euthanized bear was indeed the one involved in the attack. Pauls expressed regret for the initial confusion caused by the BCCOS’s assessment and thanked the RCMP for their swift response to ensure public safety.
He also provided an update on the victim’s condition, stating that although the RCMP had initially reported non-life-altering injuries, the girl is still recovering. Maple Ridge RCMP commented that they are reviewing the incident to assess if there are additional training or equipment improvements that could enhance the service to officers and the public.