Multiple Grizzly Bears Possibly Responsible for Fatal Attack on Mother and Daughter in Bella Coola

Authorities suspect that more than one grizzly bear may have been involved in the fatal attack on a mother and her daughter in Bella Coola, on British Columbia’s central coast, according to the provincial Conservation Officer Service.

Inspector Jeff Tyre of the Conservation Officer Service stated in a video that the second body was discovered during a Tuesday afternoon search by RCMP and conservation officers, following the earlier finding of the first set of remains.

He noted that it remains uncertain whether multiple bears were responsible, and any bears captured will be evaluated.

Relatives of art therapist Jenny Balcarras and her daughter, Selah Reed, reported them missing on Sunday.

Matthew Balcarras, the brother of Jenny Balcarras, said on Wednesday that his sister was exceptionally strong and had lived in various remote, challenging locations, including Alaska, before relocating to Bella Coola on B.C.’s central coast a few months ago.

“She was a talented artist and an inspiration to me and my brothers,” Matthew Balcarras said.

Authorities have imposed a curfew on the community, located roughly 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver, while continuing the search for the bear(s) responsible. If the offending bear is captured, it will be euthanized to ensure public safety, Tyre said.

A fundraiser organized by relative Mary Melissa Smith noted that Reed was 20, “with her whole life ahead of her,” and that Balcarras is survived by three adult children and a grandchild.

Balcarras is survived by a son, two daughters, and a grandson, who now face the profound loss of their mother and the financial challenges of arranging funeral services, Smith said.

The Central Coast Teachers’ Association announced on social media that Balcarras joined their school community as a counselor in August and devoted countless hours to supporting her students, collaborating closely with teachers and staff to promote their well‑being.

The incident occurred nearly a year after a grizzly bear attack on a group of 20 elementary school students and teachers in the same area, which left one adult and three children seriously injured.

The bear involved in that November attack has never been captured.

Kim Titchener, founder of Bear Safety & More Inc. in Calgary, expressed concern upon seeing reports of the women’s disappearance on Facebook hiking groups.

“When I saw that they were missing in that area, my heart sank because I suspected a bear attack,” Titchener said.

“This community and area have suffered greatly in the past year,” she said, referring to the recent grizzly attack on schoolchildren.

Bella Coola is known for its large population of grizzly and black bears, and Titchener noted that it is common for residents to encounter bears near their homes.

Titchener said there are concerning pressures on bear populations in British Columbia due to habitat loss, food scarcity from drought and climate change, which are increasing human‑bear conflicts.

“I’m not sure whether Bella Coola experienced drought, but other parts of British Columbia certainly did,” she said.

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