Search and rescue teams found a mother and daughter dead near Snooka West Trail in Bella Coola after the family reported them missing on Monday. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said evidence suggests a grizzly bear attack may have been involved, and the public has been asked to avoid the trail area.
Jeff Tyre, a BCCOS inspector, said one person was found dead Monday afternoon and the second person’s remains were found Tuesday afternoon. Tyre said, "Our thoughts are with the family of the victims during this tragic time. We are in contact with the family to offer any support we can as we continue to investigate this incident."
Jenny Balcarras and Selah Reed
The Vancouver Sun identified the victims as Jenny Balcarras, 48, and Selah Reed. Matt Balcarras said Jenny Balcarras was in Bella Coola to work as an art therapist at a school, and he said the trail they were on was very close to their home.
Matt Balcarras said, "Jenny was a wonderful artist." The Central Coast Teachers Association said it was deeply saddened by the deaths and added, "Jenny devoted countless hours to connecting with the students she served and worked closely with teachers and other staff supporting their well-being."
Snooka West Trail in Bella Coola
The Conservation Officer Service said no bears have been captured and it is not clear how many bears may have been involved. Any bear determined to have been involved will be dispatched under provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines to protect public safety.
That leaves investigators with a narrow task: determine what evidence tied the deaths to a grizzly bear and whether one animal or more than one was involved. The trail remains off-limits while the investigation continues.
