# DNA links grizzly sow and cubs to deaths of mother and daughter

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mom-and-daughter-were-slaughtered-by-grizzly-mama-bear-and-her-three-cubs-while-on-canadian-trail-dna-confirms/
- Published: 2026-11-12T00:34:40+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T00:47:23+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16284665/mom-daughter-killed-grizzly-bear-cubs-canada.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- DNA linked four grizzly bears to the deaths of a mother and daughter.
- The bears were killed to protect public safety.
- Authorities said predatory attacks are rare and advised travelling in groups.

## Summary

DNA tests confirmed that a female grizzly bear and her three cubs killed Jenny Balcarras, 48, and her daughter Selah Reed, 20, near Bella Coola, British Columbia. Investigators said the rare encounter likely involved predatory behaviour; the case highlights the risks of travelling in bear country.

Balcarras was reported missing after going out on the Snooka West Trail on 31 October. Her remains were found on 2 November, and Reed’s were discovered the next day in a bear cache; officers killed all four bears to protect public safety. The bears were not involved in a separate attack in the area last November that injured 11 people, and authorities advised leashing pets and travelling in groups.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.