Muhammad Amanullah | August 15, 2026
The True Post — Authorities in British Columbia have confirmed that the bear killed by police was the same black bear that attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge earlier this month, reversing an earlier statement that the wrong bear had been killed.
What Happened?
The incident occurred on August 9 in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, when a three-year-old girl was playing on a deck in the backyard of her home. A black bear suddenly attacked her.
One of the girl’s parents chased the bear away from the area. Officers with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) then arrived at the scene.
According to police, the bear returned to the area several times while officers were present. Officers subsequently shot and killed the animal.
Earlier Statement Said the Wrong Bear Was Killed
Two days after the incident, the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) said that a necropsy had been conducted on the bear that was killed and that it was not the bear responsible for attacking the girl.
The statement raised questions about why police had killed a different bear instead of the animal involved in the attack.
However, on Friday, the Conservation Officer Service issued a new statement clarifying the situation.
DNA Analysis Confirms the Bear’s Identity
BCCOS Sergeant Jeremy Palz said in a video statement posted on social media that further investigation, a review of evidence, the collection of additional evidence and DNA analysis confirmed that the bear killed by police was the same bear that attacked the girl.
He also clarified that no other bear was killed in connection with the incident.
Authorities Apologize
Palz apologized for the incorrect information provided in the initial statement and said the Conservation Officer Service regretted the confusion.
He also thanked RCMP officers for their quick response and their efforts to protect public safety during the incident.
According to Palz, the girl who was injured in the attack is recovering and her condition is improving. Police had previously said that her injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Police Review Safety Measures
After the initial Conservation Officer Service statement suggested that the wrong bear had been killed, Maple Ridge RCMP also addressed the incident.
Police said they routinely review such incidents to determine whether additional training, equipment or other resources could improve the safety of officers and the public in the future.
Following the latest investigation, authorities have now confirmed that the bear killed by police was indeed the animal responsible for the attack on the three-year-old girl.
The Conservation Officer Service has also formally apologized for the confusion caused by its earlier statement.
