A person has died and another person is missing in a suspected grizzly bear attack in the Central Coast region of B.C.
One person was found dead in the Snooka West Trail area near Bella Coola on Monday afternoon after RCMP and Search and Rescue crews were called out, the Ministry of Environment said in a statement.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service was asked to help after evidence at the scene suggested an animal may have been involved in the person’s death, ministry officials said.
A second person has not yet been found.
The pair were reported missing on Sunday, Nov. 1 by family.
“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,” Insp. Jeff Tyre with the B.C. Conservation Office said.
“We urge people to stay away from Snooka West Trail area for their own safety. We appreciate people’s concerns and the desire to assist but it is critical the public stay out of the area – both due to the danger and to allow officers to do their work.”
Get daily National news
In a statement, Samuel Schooner, elected Chief of the Nuxalk Nation, said that while the full circumstances are still unfolding, they understand first-hand the trauma this incident will inflict on the victims’ family members and on the victim’s of last year’s attack.
Last November, a horrific bear attack in the area sent four people to the hospital, including three young children.
They were on a field trip in Bella Coola from Acwsalcta School when they encountered the bear around 1 p.m. when they were having lunch on a trail near Highway 20 and their school.
Multiple teachers physically intervened, using bear spray and a bear banger, to drive the bear away, but an adult and three students were hurt.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service said that following the attack on Monday, all resources are being deployed to trap any bears involved and any bears who are captured will be assessed to determine next steps.
If the bear is determined to be involved, the conservation service said that it will be euthanized.
If anyone has any information to contribute, they are asked to call 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).
— More to come…
Same place same time of year. 🙄
Is it more surprising that the FN just can’t learn from one year to the next or that their generations of sacred land and wildlife knowledge, inherently stored in the minds of the elders, that’s been passed down by word of mouth instinctively for 1000s of years wasn’t never really done or just didn’t really sunk in. 😂
Once again the stewards of the land showing their full knowledge, understanding and experience with nature.
Yup they are really in tune with it!! Not
I wouldn’t follow their advice on anything.
@ Thoughts of a Conservative: If the rest of the world needed proof that Lieberal voters were complete morons, you’ve helped fill the void. May the planet and Karma find you sooner than later so you don’t procreate another generation of stupidity
Still want the bear, ladies? Surely being beaten by a righteous husband is preferable to this.
It was a good death. Can’t beat it.Offed by Ma nature
Bear 2.Human 0
A warrant of arrest has been issued for “Yogi the Bear” and his side kick “Boo Boo”.
Me when I choose the bear because im a victim woman