Bear shot by RCMP in Maple Ridge did attack three-year-old girl, conservation officers confirm
After initial confusion, DNA analysis confirms the black bear killed by Mounties was responsible for the August 9 attack. The child is recovering from non-life-altering injuries.
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British Columbia conservation officers have confirmed that a black bear killed by RCMP last Sunday was responsible for attacking a three-year-old girl on the back deck of her Maple Ridge home on August 9.
The initial assessment was wrong. Shortly after the attack, officers concluded the bear shot by Mounties was not the one responsible. But after reassessing evidence and conducting DNA analysis, Sgt. Jeremy Pauls with the Conservation Officer Service said the animal killed was in fact the attacker.
A parent intervened during the attack and drove the bear off. The child was airlifted to B.C. Children's Hospital with non-life-altering injuries.
RCMP officers observed a bear multiple times in the same area within about 40 minutes following the attack and believed it was the same animal. They made the decision to shoot it to prevent further injury or loss of life.
"We recognize the impact of our earlier assessment and apologize for the confusion it caused," Pauls said. "We're grateful to the RCMP officers who responded quickly to protect public safety." No other bears were shot in connection with the incident. The investigation is concluded.
By the numbers
When did the bear attack the child in Maple Ridge?
The black bear attacked a three-year-old girl on August 9, 2026, on the back deck of her Maple Ridge home.
What injuries did the child sustain?
The girl sustained non-life-altering injuries and was airlifted to B.C. Children's Hospital.
