Two grizzlies caught in Bella Coola DNA tests may confirm any link to attack

Two grizzly bears were captured in Bella Coola, British Columbia, following a recent attack on a group of students and teachers that left four individuals injured. One bear will undergo DNA testing to determine its potential involvement, while the other bear will be fitted with a GPS collar and relocated due to inconclusive evidence linking it to the attack. Local residents report a significant increase in bear encounters, attributing the trend to environmental changes such as logging and drought, which have made the area more attractive to grizzlies. Insp. Kevin Van Damme warned that the mother bear and her cubs still pose a danger to public safety, urging residents to stay away from the 4 Mile area.

Nuxalk Nation hereditary chief Noel Pootlass highlighted the shift in local wildlife dynamics, noting that grizzlies have become more aggressive in their search for territory and food. Although residents express concerns about bear break-ins and daytime sightings, government statistics indicate that overall grizzly encounters in British Columbia have remained stable or declined slightly. In 2024, there were 122 call-outs resulting in 10 bears being relocated or destroyed during peak months. The situation remains fluid as conservation officers continue their efforts to capture and identify any bears involved in the attack.