The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has issued an apology for the confusion surrounding the recent incident where the RCMP shot a bear that had attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge. The initial report stated that the girl was playing on her family’s deck when a black bear attacked her, and a parent managed to scare the bear away.
Subsequently, Maple Ridge RCMP reported that the bear returned multiple times to the area and was shot by officers. However, a necropsy performed on the bear two days later revealed that it was not the bear responsible for the attack.
In a recent video statement shared on social media, BCCOS Sgt. Jeremy Pauls clarified that after a thorough investigation, including DNA analysis, it was confirmed that the bear that was dispatched by the officers was indeed the one involved in the attack. Pauls expressed regret for the initial confusion caused by the BCCOS’s assessment.
He also expressed gratitude to the RCMP for their swift response in ensuring public safety and mentioned that the victim, who sustained non-life-altering injuries as per RCMP reports, is on the path to recovery.
Following the revelation that the wrong bear was killed, Maple Ridge RCMP stated that they are committed to reviewing such incidents to enhance officer training and equipment for improved service to both officers and the public.
