Communities

Bella Coola grieves second fatal bear attack as officials seek link to 2025 mauling

The community is reeling from the deaths of a mother and daughter just days before the anniversary of a grizzly attack that injured 11.

By Hannah MacKenzie, Staff Writer
November 5, 2026

BELLA COOLA · B.C. conservation officers are investigating whether the grizzly bear that killed a mother and daughter near Bella Coola this week is the same animal that mauled a group of schoolchildren and teachers last November. Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her daughter Selah Reed, 20, were found dead in the Snooka West Trail area after being reported missing on Sunday. The attack occurred less than a week before the one-year anniversary of the 2025 incident, which left 11 people injured, including four with critical injuries. Inspector Jeff Tyre with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said DNA collected from the latest attack site will be compared to samples from last year's mauling. "It's too early to draw any conclusions," Tyre told reporters on Wednesday.

The Nuxalk Nation, whose traditional territories include Bella Coola, has implemented safety measures including a recommended 8 p.m. curfew and a 12-hour daily shuttle service. Conservation officers and RCMP are conducting night patrols. "Our community is still healing," said Terry Webber, chief administrative officer of the Nuxalk Nation. "We're less than a few days from the anniversary (of the 2025 attack) ... Our community members are re-triggered, and our priority is to continue to ensure they're safe." The nation also hosted a private healing drum circle at a local school on Wednesday afternoon.

Samuel Schooner, the elected chief of the Nuxalk Nation, said the community of about 2,000 people is focused on supporting those affected. "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. "Our thoughts are with the victim's family as they learn of this tragic event." The nation posted on Facebook Tuesday, "Our hearts are broken for the families affected ... We are hurting with you."

Inspector Tyre said it is not yet known whether more than one bear was involved in the attack on Balcarras and Reed. The Conservation Officer Service has received reports of grizzly bear sightings in the area and has brought in bear-capture equipment. "We understand a fatal grizzly bear attack can generate many questions and concerns in the communities and beyond," Tyre said. "I can assure you, a thorough investigation is being conducted to try and find answers as to what may have led to the attack." The two attack sites are estimated to be three or four kilometres apart.

Balcarras was an art therapist and recent school counsellor in Bella Bella, about 110 kilometres from Bella Coola. She had four grown children and one grandson, and had previously lived in Alberta and Alaska. Her brother, Matthew Balcarras, told The Globe and Mail that she was comfortable in the wilderness. "She was comfortable with wild animals, firearms, hunting," he said. "She was a brave, outdoorsy person." He believed the pair had intended to go for a short walk and may not have had bear deterrents with them.

Reed was attending Athabasca University's online learning program and worked as an educational assistant. A GoFundMe campaign for the family surpassed its $35,000 goal on Wednesday. "Jenny was an incredible mom, art therapist, artist and writer," wrote Kate Leppard on the fundraising page. "She was quiet, thoughtful, imaginative and unbelievably kind." Stacy Unzicker, who knew the family from their time in Juneau, Alaska, wrote, "Your mom was strong and an inspiration and I have the fondest memories of a funny and mischievous little Selah."

The 2025 attack occurred on Nov. 20 when a grizzly bear, believed to be with two cubs, attacked elementary school students and teachers on a trail south of Highway 20. Teachers used bear spray and bear bangers in an attempt to fend off the animal. Authorities later captured and tagged eight bears but never found the offending bear. Terry Webber noted the long history of coexistence between the Nuxalk people and grizzly bears. "We've occupied these lands for thousands of years, and there always has been a co-existence of grizzly bears and Nuxalk people," he said. The grizzly bear population in the region has increased since the province banned grizzly hunting at the end of 2017, though First Nations retain harvest rights. Nosy Mag reported earlier this week that two women were killed in a suspected grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola. The Conservation Officer Service continues its investigation into both fatal attacks.

With files from Vancouver Sun, The Globe and Mail and Yahoo News