Search underway for Bella Coola bear trail
The gist
Canadian mother Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and daughter Selah Reed, 19, were found dead on a Bella Coola trail.
Conservation officers are trapping bears; the community is under a curfew.
How it unfolded
- Nov 1, 2026Family reported Balcarras and Reed missing after they failed to return from a walk on the Snooka West Trail; RCMP and rescue crews launched a search.
- Nov 2, 2026Balcarras's remains were found in the afternoon; evidence suggested an animal was involved and conservation officers were called in.
- Nov 3, 2026Reed's remains were found about 150 metres from her mother; BCCOS said it believes both were attacked by a grizzly and trapping efforts began with no bears captured.
Key terms
- RCMP
- The national police service of Canada, also providing contracted police services to provinces, municipalities, and Indigenous communities.
- BCCOS
- A law enforcement agency that protects wildlife and the environment and investigates human-wildlife incidents.
- First Nations
- Governing bodies of two Indigenous peoples in Canada, distinct from Inuit.
Source: Wikipedia