One dead, one missing in suspected grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola

One person is dead and another is missing following a suspected grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola, British Columbia, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

Investigation and Search Efforts

On Monday, police and search and rescue volunteers found a deceased person in the Snooka West Trail area, southeast of Bella Coola. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service stated that evidence at the scene suggested an animal may have been involved in the death.

A search is currently underway to locate a second individual. The pair was reported missing by family members on Sunday, Nov. 1. Kara Belcarras, the sister-in-law of Jenny Belcarras, stated via a Facebook post that the missing pair's vehicle had been found at a trailhead near Bella Coola.

“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 B.C. Conservation Officer Service Inspector Jeff Tyre.

Safety and Provincial Policy

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the Snooka West Trail area. “We urge people to stay away from Snooka West Trail area for their own safety. 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,” Inspector Tyre said.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is working to locate and trap any bears involved. According to the service, if a bear is captured and determined to be responsible for the attack, it will be killed in accordance with provincial policy.

Previous Incidents in the Region

There is a large population of grizzly bears in the Bella Coola area on B.C.’s Central Coast. In November 2025, a grizzly bear attacked a group of approximately 20 elementary school students and teachers on a trail near Highway 20.

In that incident, an adult and three students were injured. Provincial Environment Minister Tamara Davidson stated that the teachers “took great risk” when they intervened to protect the children. Following that attack, a search for the responsible bear was called off after DNA and forensic evidence ruled out four bears that had been captured by conservation officers.

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Sources

• castanet.net: One dead, another missing after suspected grizzly attack near Bella Coola - Castanet.net
• globalnews.ca: 1 dead, 1 missing in suspected grizzly bear attack on B.C.’s central coast | Globalnews.ca
• thestar.com: One dead, one missing in suspected grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola, B.C.
• ctvnews.ca: B.C. bear attack: 1 dead, 1 missing near Bella Coola
• mirror.co.uk: Grizzly bear 'attack' leaves one dead and one missing in British Columbia - The Mirror

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.