World Politics4 min(s) read
Mom and daughter, 20, killed in 'grizzly bear attack' while on walk
.webp_SmgFsc?tr=cr-292.0.1244.952,f-webp,q-70,w-100)
A mother and daughter from British Columbia have died following a suspected grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola. Family members identified the victims as 48-year-old Jennifer Balcarras and her 20-year-old daughter, Selah Reed.
Both women were reported missing by relatives on Sunday after failing to return home from an afternoon walk along the Snooka West Trail, located approximately a five-minute drive from their residence.
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service confirmed that search teams located Balcarras's body on Monday in the trail area.
In an update released the following day, officials announced that Reed had also been found dead on Tuesday afternoon.
Relatives explained that both women were very familiar with the path and frequently spent time walking outdoors together.
Family members expressed their deep grief as the search concluded with the discovery of both victims. "It's surreal. It doesn't seem real. It feels like a dream," said Josh Balcarras, Jennifer's brother.
"The way it starts is a few hours of not hearing from them. That turns into a day, and then a night … then a second night comes and it becomes a real thing."
He stated that the trail was "not in a remote area" and that the outing was intended to be "just a casual walk," making the outcome all the more shocking to those who knew them.
Remembering a devoted mother and daughter
Balcarras worked as an art therapist in the Bella Coola area and was a mother of four children, with Reed being her youngest. Her younger brothers remembered her as an avid reader who loved playing guitar, singing, painting, and spending time in nature.
Her brother Matthew spoke about her creative presence and deep family ties, saying, "She painted murals in her own kids' home … my home," and adding, "She was very much a central person in our family."
Reed worked as an education assistant while pursuing university studies through the online learning program at Athabasca University. Relatives remembered her as "a gentle, sweet, quiet soul" who had a deep appreciation for ballet, art, and hiking.
Family members highlighted the close relationship she shared with her mother, often joining her on outdoor excursions.
"She liked a lot of the same things Jenny liked. I think they got along really, really well," said Josh. "They were two peas in a pod. When Jenny hiked, Selah was right there beside her."
Conservation officers investigate and track the bear
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service deployed an investigative team to examine the area and search for the animal involved. Traps have been set up throughout the vicinity, though authorities confirmed that no bears had been caught as of Tuesday.
"Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this tragic time," Insp. Jeff Tyre of the BCCOS stated in an online video update regarding the ongoing operation.
Officers stated that if a bear is captured, experts will assess the animal to confirm whether it was involved in the encounter. "If the bear is determined to be the bear responsible for the attack, it will be dispatched to ensure public safety, as per provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines," the service posted on social media.
The incident follows a separate encounter last year near Bella Coola, where a grizzly attacked a group of schoolchildren and teachers on a trail south of Highway 20, leaving several people critically injured.
The local community grieves the mother and daughter
Local leadership has urged the public to stay informed through official channels while the community processes the loss. In an official statement, the Nuxalk Nation directed residents and news media to follow updates from conservation officers.
Elected Chief Samuel Schooner acknowledged the emotional weight of the tragedy on local residents, especially given the history of wildlife encounters in the region.
"While the full circumstances are still unfolding, we understand first-hand the trauma this incident will inflict upon the victims' family members, the victims of last year's attack, and the community at large," Schooner said in the statement.
He added, "Our thoughts are with the victim's family as they learn of this tragic event."
Trapping and monitoring operations by provincial conservation officers remain active in the area.