DNA links 4 grizzly bears to deadly attack on mother and daughter in Canada, officials say

DNA evidence has linked four grizzly bears to the deaths of a mother and daughter near Bella Coola in British Columbia. Wildlife officers killed the adult female and her three offspring under provincial guidelines, saying the action was taken to protect public safety.

Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and Selah Reed, 20, went missing after walking on the Snooka West Trail near their home; their bodies were found on 2 and 3 November. Investigators believe the encounter likely involved predatory behaviour, but have not detailed how it unfolded. The agency said the bears were not involved in a separate 2025 attack that injured 11 people, and further analysis will review the response and circumstances.