A mother and her 20-year-old daughter have been found dead following a suspected grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola, British Columbia, prompting an investigation by wildlife authorities and new safety precautions in the community.
Family members identified the victims as Jennifer “Jenny” Balcarras, 48, and her daughter, Selah Reed, 20. The pair were reported missing Sunday, November 1, after failing to return from a walk near the Snooka West Trail, a popular recreational area along British Columbia’s central coast.
According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, search crews located Balcarras’s remains Monday afternoon, November 2. Evidence at the scene suggested an animal may have been involved, prompting conservation officers to join the investigation. Reed’s body was discovered the following afternoon during an extensive search involving conservation officers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Authorities suspect a grizzly bear was responsible for the deaths, although the circumstances remain under investigation. Officials have not determined whether one bear or multiple bears were involved.
Conservation Officers Searching for Bear or Bears Involved
Conservation officers have deployed traps in the area as they work to identify any bears potentially responsible for the attack.
Inspector Jeff Tyre of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said any captured animals would be assessed to determine their possible involvement. A bear confirmed to have been responsible would be euthanized under provincial wildlife conflict response guidelines to protect public safety.
Authorities continue to urge the public to stay away from the Snooka West Trail area. The Central Coast Regional District has also advised residents and visitors to avoid the trail while investigators continue their work.
The Nuxalk Nation has recommended a voluntary 8 p.m. curfew for young people and advised community members against traveling outdoors alone. Police and conservation officers have also increased patrols while the investigation continues.
Community Experienced Another Serious Grizzly Attack Last Year
The deaths come nearly one year after another grizzly bear attack in the Bella Coola area injured a group of elementary school students and teachers.
On November 20, 2025, a grizzly attacked a group of approximately 20 students and teachers during an outdoor school activity near Highway 20. Three children and one adult suffered serious injuries, while seven additional people received treatment at the scene.
Conservation officers conducted an extensive search following that incident, capturing several grizzlies for examination. Forensic testing ultimately ruled out the captured animals, and the bear responsible was never identified.
There is no established connection between the 2025 incident and this week’s suspected fatal attack.
Family Remembers Mother and Daughter
Balcarras, an art therapist and school counselor, had recently moved to Bella Coola to begin a new chapter in her career. Family members described her as a talented artist who loved music, painting and spending time outdoors.
Her daughter Selah, the youngest of four children, shared many of those interests. Relatives said the two were particularly close and frequently spent time together hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
The family has established a fundraiser to assist with funeral expenses and provide support for Balcarras’s surviving children and grandchild.
The deaths have deeply affected the Bella Coola community, where grizzly bears are frequently encountered in the surrounding forests and river valleys.
The British Columbia Parks backcountry safety guidelines recommend traveling in groups, making noise to avoid surprising bears, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it. Residents and visitors should also follow current wildlife warnings and respect any trail closures or restricted areas.
The investigation into the deaths of Balcarras and Reed remains ongoing.
