DNA Confirms Four Grizzlies Killed Mother and Daughter in BC
Canadian authorities executed four grizzly bears after DNA evidence proved a sow and three cubs attacked a hiker and her daughter in British Columbia.
POLICY WIRE — Montreal, Canada — Canadian officials have executed four grizzly bears following a forensic investigation into a deadly encounter in western British Columbia. The bears were removed after genetic testing identified them as the animals responsible for fatal injuries sustained by two hikers last week.
The individuals ejected from the herd consisted of a female adult bear, known as a sow, and her three juvenile offspring. Authorities confirmed that the group had engaged the victims near a hiking trail in the Bella Coola area.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service stated that the bears were put down after DNA samples collected at the scene matched the animals involved in the mauling. This action was taken to ensure public safety following the verification of the specific culprits.
Officials noted that the incident represented a rare instance of predatory behavior by bears toward humans. The deaths of the mother and her daughter prompted the immediate deployment of wildlife services to assess the threat level in the region.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)