Four grizzly bears killed mother and daughter in Canada, officials say

Four grizzly bears captured in Canada were responsible for killing a mother and daughter earlier this month, officials have said.

The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said DNA tests conclusively linked a female grizzly and her three cubs to the deaths of Jenny Balcarras, 48, and her 20-year-old daughter Selah Reed.

All four bears were killed to protect the public.

"Our investigation also found that this attack likely involved predatory behaviour, which I can tell you is very rare," Inspector Jeff Tyre said.

"That is to say, we don't know how it started, but we know how it ended."

The remains of Ms Balcarras and Ms Reed were found near a trail outside the remote community of Bella Coola last week after relatives reported them missing on Sunday 1 November.

Officials had previously suggested that multiple bears may have been involved in the attack.

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An online fundraiser set up for the victims called the incident an "unimaginable tragedy" - adding that the "sudden and heart-breaking loss has left their family and loved ones devastated".

Ms Balcarras, an art therapist and mother of three, was described by her brother as "incredibly strong" and "an inspiration".

The family also paid tribute to Ms Reed, who they said had "her whole life ahead of her".

"She was only beginning her journey into adulthood, making this loss even more heart-breaking," they added.

Mr Tyre said the bears were not involved in a separate grizzly attack on a group of children and teachers in the same area last year that left two people critically injured.

He added that bears involved in fatal attacks cannot be rehabilitated or relocated because they pose an extreme risk to public safety.

Following the latest incident, local authorities have imposed a voluntary curfew, while children were escorted to school by police.

Tlhmtimut Samuel Schooner, chief councillor of the Nuxalk Nation community in Bella Coola, said the attack had been "deeply re-triggering" and insisted support services would remain available for as long as needed.

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