Maple Ridge RCMP statement on bear attack and police response

August 10, 2026 - Maple Ridge, British Columbia
From: Maple Ridge RCMP

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File: 2026-15233

Maple Ridge RCMP is aware of the community's concern regarding the recent bear attack and police response on August 9, 2026. While we value our local wildlife, our officers must also act when faced with an immediate threat to public safety. Following the attack on a three-year-old child, a bear was observed multiple times in the same area within approximately 40 minutes, including on residential properties where people were outside. Based on the information available at the time, officers reasonably believed it was the same bear involved in the attack and made the decision to dispatch the animal to prevent further injury or loss of life. We have since been advised by the BC Conservation Officer Service that necropsy results indicate the deceased bear was not responsible for the attack. However, that information was not available at the time, and officers acted reasonably based on the circumstances and information available to them to protect public safety. The loss of any wildlife is significant, and decisions of this nature are never taken lightly. Our thoughts remain with the child, their family, and all those affected by this incident.

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