BCCOS relocates caught grizzly bear after Bella Coola attack

Officers from the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) caught a grizzly bear near Bella Coola after an attack on Thursday.

However, the BCCOS says that it is uncertain if the bear captured was involved in the attack.

“Conservation Officers have assessed the bear, including comparing the attack scene evidence with evidence analyzed from the captured bear. Evidence is not conclusive that the captured bear was involved in the attack,” the BCCOS said on Facebook.

The caught bear will therefore be relocated after being fitted with a GPS sensor.

The BCCOS says officers will continue to locate and capture the three grizzly bears, which are believed to be the ones involved in the attack.

The attack, which left three students and one teacher with serious injuries, happened after many residents in the area had experienced an increase in grizzly bear encounters.

Resident Corey Van Andel says he noticed a number of house break-ins by bears that would not have happened in previous years.

“They were a little more comfortable coming close to people’s residences and breaking in and not as afraid,” he told 1130 NewsRadio.

Bella Coola residents say that the bears have become more aggressive.

Anyone with information or to report bear sightings in Bella Coola should contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 877-952-7277.