1 dead, 1 missing in suspected grizzly bear attack on B.C.’s central coast

Posted November 3, 2026 2:52 pm

1 min read

A person has died and another person is missing in a suspected grizzly bear attack in the Central Coast region of B.C.

One person was found dead in the Snooka West Trail area near Bella Coola on Monday afternoon after RCMP and Search and Rescue crews were called out, the Ministry of Environment said in a statement.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service was asked to help after evidence at the scene suggested an animal may have been involved in the person’s death, ministry officials said.

A second person has not yet been found.

The pair were reported missing on Sunday, Nov. 1 by family.

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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,” Insp. Jeff Tyre with the B.C. Conservation Office said.

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“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.”

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The B.C. Conservation Officer Service said all resources are being deployed to trap any bears involved and any bears who are captured will be assessed to determine next steps.

If the bear is determined to be involved, the conservation service said that it will be euthanized.

— More to come…

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