The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has issued an apology for the confusion caused by earlier reports, clarifying that it was the RCMP who euthanized a bear that had attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge earlier this month. According to the BCCOS, the incident occurred on August 9 when a black bear attacked the girl while she was playing on the deck in her family’s backyard. The bear was chased away by one of her parents.

Subsequently, Maple Ridge RCMP reported that the bear had returned to the area multiple times while officers were present, leading them to shoot the animal. However, two days later, a necropsy on the bear revealed that it was not the culprit behind the attack, as confirmed by the BCCOS.

In a video statement shared on social media, BCCOS Sgt. Jeremy Pauls clarified that after further investigation, including a reevaluation of the evidence, additional evidence collection, and DNA analysis, it was determined that the bear put down by authorities was indeed the one responsible for the attack. Pauls expressed regret for the initial confusion caused by the BCCOS’s assessment and commended the RCMP for their swift response to ensure public safety.

The victim, who was previously reported to have sustained non-life-altering injuries, is said to be recovering. Maple Ridge RCMP, in response to the revelation that the wrong bear was initially killed, mentioned that they continuously assess incidents to enhance the training and equipment available to officers for better service to both the community and law enforcement.