A mother and daughter were killed in a suspected grizzly bear attack while on a walk on the Snooka West Trail in Bella Coola, British Columbia. Jennifer Balcarras, 48, was discovered dead on Monday, and her daughter, Selah Reed, 20, was found deceased on Tuesday afternoon following an extensive search by conservation officers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The family had lost contact with Balcarras after a planned online meeting on Saturday. When she remained unreachable, they requested a wellness check, which led police to discover Balcarras' vehicle at a nearby trailhead.
Balcarras' brothers described the mother and daughter as inseparable. They were familiar with the Snooka West Trail, which is located a short drive from their home and is not considered a remote area. "It was just a casual walk," one brother stated.
Jennifer Balcarras, an art therapist, was remembered by her family as a lover of books, guitar, singing, painting, and the outdoors. She had four children, with Selah being the youngest. Balcarras had recently moved to Bella Coola to start a new career and was working toward building a future, with no savings yet established to cover unexpected expenses.
Selah Reed, who was 20, was described as a gentle, quiet soul with a love for ballet, art, and hiking, sharing many of her mother's passions. She worked as an educational assistant and was pursuing online studies. Her family noted that she had her whole life ahead of her.
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Services (BCCOS) has an investigative team examining the suspected attack. "Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this tragic time," Inspector Jeff Tyre said in a video statement. Trapping efforts are underway, and any captured bears will be assessed to determine if they were responsible for the attack. If identified, the bear will be dispatched for public safety.
Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the Snooka West Trail to allow officers to conduct their work and to avoid potential danger.