Maple Ridge, B.C. — The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (COS) has issued an apology to prevent further confusion after investigations confirmed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) killed the bear involved in an attack on a three-year-old girl earlier this month.
According to COS, officers reviewed the incident and concluded that the RCMP officers were not mistaken in their decision to use lethal force against the bear. The clarification comes after initial reporting suggested possible uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Details regarding the attack, including the exact date and location within Maple Ridge, have not been provided by COS in the released statement. The agency emphasized that its investigations into the event were intended to verify the actions taken by law enforcement during the incident and to communicate findings accurately to the public.
The bear involved is described in the report as a black bear. The child sustained injuries from the encounter, and the incident prompted a response from local authorities and wildlife officials. No additional information on the girl’s current condition or medical treatment was included in the COS update.
COS spokespersons indicated that the aim of the apology was to address any confusion that may have resulted from earlier messaging and to reaffirm confidence in the investigation process governing wildlife and police interactions in such high-risk encounters.
The RCMP and COS both engage in joint and separate efforts to manage wildlife threats and ensure public safety in British Columbia communities where bear activity is common. Investigations into the Maple Ridge incident are expected to inform future guidelines on how similar situations are handled and communicated to residents.
Further details, including the timeline of events and any recommendations arising from the investigation, have not been released by COS at this time. Authorities say additional updates will follow as findings are finalized.
