The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has issued an apology for the confusion surrounding the recent bear incident in Maple Ridge, where a three-year-old girl was attacked. Initially, the BCCOS stated that the RCMP had killed the bear responsible for the attack. However, a subsequent necropsy revealed that the bear shot by officers was not the culprit.
In a video statement shared on social media, BCCOS Sgt. Jeremy Pauls clarified that upon further investigation, including DNA analysis, it was confirmed that the bear dispatched by the RCMP was indeed the one involved in the attack. Pauls expressed regret for the previous misinformation and commended the RCMP for their swift response to ensure public safety.
The victim, who sustained non-life-altering injuries in the incident, is reported to be recovering. Following the revelation of the mistaken identity of the bear, Maple Ridge RCMP stated their commitment to reviewing protocols and resources to enhance officer and public safety in similar situations.