A mother and daughter have died in a suspected grizzly bear attack while walking on a trail in rural Canada, authorities have confirmed.
Jennifer Balcarras, 48, was found dead on the Snooka West Trail in Bella Coola, western Canada, on Monday. The body of her daughter, 20-year-old Selah Reed, was located during a search of the area the following afternoon.
Discovery and Search Efforts
The pair were reported missing on Sunday after they failed to return from a walk on the trail, which is a short drive from their home. Ms Balcarras' brother, Josh, told CBC: "It's surreal. It doesn't seem real. It feels like a dream."
He added: "The way it starts is a few hours of not hearing from them. That turns into a day, and then a night … then a second night comes and it becomes a real thing." Mr Balcarras said his sister and niece were familiar with the trail, describing it as "just a casual walk" that is "not in a remote area".
Victims Remembered
Ms Balcarras had recently moved to Bella Coola to work as an art therapist and "begin a new chapter in her life". She enjoyed playing the guitar and was described as a book lover who liked painting and the outdoors.
Ms Reed was the youngest of her four children and also a grandmother. Her brother Matthew Balcarras said: "She was very much a central person in our family." Ms Reed attended Athabasca University's online learning programme and worked as an education assistant, with her family describing her as a "gentle, sweet, quiet soul" who loved ballet, art and hiking.
Investigation and Public Safety
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Services (BCCOS) said: "The second victim of a suspected fatal grizzly bear attack in Bella Coola was located this afternoon during search efforts by Conservation Officers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police."
Authorities have not yet confirmed how many bears were involved. The BCCOS added: "Officers are working to locate and capture any bears involved. Any captured bear will be assessed. If it is determined to have been involved in the attack, it will be dispatched in accordance with provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines to protect public safety."
A fundraiser has been launched to cover funeral costs for the pair, describing the deaths as an "unimaginable tragedy". The page states: "Jenny leaves behind three young adult children - a son and two daughters - as well as a grandchild." Search efforts have concluded, and the BCCOS continues to urge people to stay away from the Snooka West Trail area for their own safety.
