Grizzly attack kills two in B.C., third fatal incident since May

Jennifer Balcarras and her twenty-year-old daughter, Selah Reed, were killed in a suspected grizzly bear attack in British Columbia. The women went missing on November 1 after setting out for a short afternoon walk near Bella Coola. Their absence turned into an emergency after two nights passed without contact. Relatives and officials confirmed the deaths following a multi-day search.

Josh Balcarras, the victim's brother, described the anxiety of the missing period. He noted that the initial hours of silence extended into days, prompting a formal search. Conservation Officer Services inspector Jeff Tyre confirmed the findings. Balcarras' body was located in the Snooka West Trail area on Monday. Reed's remains were found the following day. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and local search and rescue teams assisted in the investigation.

Tyre stated that it is currently unclear how many bears were involved. Authorities are actively working to locate and capture any responsible animals. If a bear is captured and confirmed to be involved, it will be dispatched according to provincial guidelines to ensure public safety. The public has been advised to avoid the Snooka West Trail area until further notice.

The family described the victims as inseparable. Balcarras told CBC News that his sister and niece were "two peas in a pod." He recalled that whenever his sister went hiking, Selah was always beside her. Balcarras had recently moved to Bella Coola to start a new career. The family launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, noting she did not have substantial savings due to the recent relocation. She is survived by three young adult children and a grandchild. Reed was described as just beginning her adult life.

This incident is the third fatal or near-fatal grizzly encounter in the province since May 2024. In October 2025, a hiker in the McGregor Mountain area died weeks after being attacked. In May 2024, a man in Elkford suffered broken bones and lacerations but shot the bear in self-defense. A defensive attack also occurred near Tumbler Ridge in July 2023.

Grizzly bear populations in British Columbia are estimated between 10,000 and 13,000. The species is classified as vulnerable. Conflicts with humans are considered rare unless the animals are startled or protecting food and cubs. In November 2025, a grizzly attacked a group of students and teachers in the Bella Coola valley, critically injuring two people and seriously hurting two others.