Grizzly bear suspected after one person found dead on Bella Coola hiking trail

Conservation officers are in Bella Coola to investigate after a person was found dead on a hiking trail due to a suspected grizzly bear attack. One other person remains missing. Photo by BRENDA NIELSEN /GETTY IMAGES

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One person is dead and another is missing following a suspected grizzly bear attack in Bella Coola, officials say.

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According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, two individuals were reported missing by family on Nov. 1, prompting Bella Coola RCMP and rescue crews to launch a search.

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On Monday afternoon, one person was found dead in the area of the Snooka West Trail.

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The west trail measures just under four kilometres, with an elevation of about 500 metres, and weaves through the Four Mile residential area and North Bentinck Arm, with viewpoints of Thorsen Creek.

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Evidence at the site suggested an animal was involved and the conservation service was called in. Search efforts continue for the second individual reported missing.

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“Our thoughts are with the family of the victims during this tragic time. We are in contact with the family to offer any support we can as we continue to investigate this incident,” said Insp. Jeff Tyre with the Service said in an update online.

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Tyre said officials are urging people to stay away from the Snooka West Trail and to leave the search up to conservation officers.

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“We appreciate people’s concerns and the desire to assist but it is critical the public stay out of the area — both due to the danger and to allow officers to do their work,” he said.

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Conservation officers remain in the area on Tuesday to search for and trap any bears. Those that are caught will be assessed to determine if it is the bear responsible for the death and if so, the bear will be killed by the conservation service.

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The Bella Coola RCMP, Bella Coola Valley search and rescue crews, and Nuxalk Nation liaisons are assisting the conservation service with the investigation and search.

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In a statement Tuesday, Nuxalk Nation Chief Samuel Schooner offered his condolences to the victim’s family.

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“While the full circumstances are still unfolding, we understand first-hand the trauma this incident will inflict upon the victims’ family members, the victims of last year’s attack, and the community at large,” said Schooner.

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“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family as they learn of this tragic event.”

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Schooner also reiterated the request for community members to stay away from the Snooka West Trail while the investigation is underway, and reminded residents to be cautious outdoors particularly with young children and clearing attractants from their property.

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Nearly one year ago, a similarly horrific incident unfolded in Bella Coola when an unprovoked grizzly bear charged a group of 20 students and teachers near Bella Coola River, seriously injuring three kids and one adult.

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The Grade 4 and 5 class from Acwsalcta School had stopped for lunch along a trail during a field trip when the grizzly emerged from the forest.

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In addition to the four who suffered serious injuries, seven others were treated at the scene but didn’t require hospital treatment.

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More to come …

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