Mother and Daughter Killed in Suspected Grizzly Bear Attack in British Columbia

A suspected grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola, British Columbia, has led to the deaths of a mother and daughter. Their family is devastated, according to both relatives and the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

Incident Details

The victims, identified by family members as Jennifer Balcarras and her 20-year-old daughter, Selah Reed, were reported missing on November 1. They were expected to return from a short afternoon walk.

“The way it starts is a few hours of not hearing from them,” said Josh Balcarras, Balcarras’ brother. “That turns into a day, and then a night … then a second night comes and it becomes a real thing.”

Balcarras’ remains were found in the Snooka West Trail area on Monday afternoon, and Reed’s were discovered the following day. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and local search and rescue teams were involved in the investigation, according to Jeff Tyre, Inspector with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

“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,” Tyre announced. He noted it remains unclear how many bears were involved. Efforts to capture any involved animals are ongoing.

Family’s Comments

Josh Balcarras described the pair as “two peas in a pod” who shared many hobbies. “When Jenny hiked, Selah was right there beside her,” he stated.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs. Balcarras had moved to Bella Coola for a new career and did not have savings, according to the fundraiser. She leaves behind three young adult children and a grandchild.

Grizzly Bear Attacks in British Columbia

British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment estimates 10,000 to 13,000 grizzly bears live in the province, where they are classified as vulnerable. Human-bear conflicts are seen as rare unless bears are startled or defending their cubs or food.

In recent years, several grizzly bear attacks occurred in British Columbia. One in November 2025 involved a bear attacking students and teachers in the Bella Coola valley, causing critical injuries. Another in October 2025 involved two hikers, one of whom later died. In May 2024, a man defended himself against a grizzly bear while hunting in Elkford. Additionally, a defensive attack by a grizzly bear left a 21-year-old woman seriously injured near Tumbler Ridge in July 2023.