Mother, Daughter Found Dead in Suspected Bear Attack

Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her daughter Selah Reed, 20, were found dead after going missing during a walk on the Snooka West Trail near Bella Coola, British Columbia; search teams recovered Balcarras’ remains Monday and Reed’s Tuesday. Officials are investigating the deaths as a suspected grizzly bear attack, though it is unclear whether one or more bears were involved. Conservation officers are searching for bears linked to the attack and have urged the public to stay away from the trail; any animal confirmed to have been involved may be euthanized under provincial guidelines. Balcarras had recently moved to the area to work as an art therapist, and relatives have started a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs. The deaths have devastated the family and shaken the community, which experienced another serious bear attack involving schoolchildren and teachers last year.