Multiple bears may have killed mother and daughter in Canada

A mother and daughter have been killed in an attack in Canada that authorities say may have involved multiple grizzly bears. 

The bodies of Jenny Balcarras and her daughter, Selah Reed, were discovered earlier this week in Bella Coola, British Columbia, after the women had been reported missing by relatives on Sunday.

Jeff Tyre, an inspector for the Conservation Officer Service in the province, said it was "not yet clear if more than one bear was involved" - and that any bears captured in the area will be assessed.

Authorities have imposed a curfew on the community - located about 621 miles (1,000km) north of Vancouver - as searches continue for the animal or animals behind the attack.

Mr Tyre added that, if captured, any "offending bear" will be killed to protect public safety.

An online fundraiser set up for the victims called the incident an "unimaginable tragedy", adding that the "sudden and heart-breaking loss has left their family and loved ones devastated".

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Ms Balcarras, an art therapist and mother of three, was described by her brother as "incredibly strong" and "an inspiration".

The family also paid tribute to Ms Reed, 20, who they said had "her whole life ahead of her".

"She was only beginning her journey into adulthood, making this loss even more heart-breaking," they added.

The attack comes nearly a year after a grizzly bear attack on a group of children and teachers in the same area, which left one adult and three children seriously injured.

The animal involved in that attack last November was never captured.

Bella Coola is well-known for its large population of grizzly and black bears, and sighting of bears near people's homes is not uncommon, according to Kim Titchener, a bear safety expert.

She added that bear populations in British Columbia have faced "concerning pressures", with a loss of habitat and food stress caused by drought and climate change contributing to more conflicts with people.

(c) Sky News 2026: Multiple bears may have killed mother and daughter in Canada