“Evidence from the investigation as well as animal DNA was analysed and conclusively linked to a sow and its three offspring,” he added.
The attack “likely involved predatory behaviour”, which Tyre said was “very rare”.
He added that more than a dozen conservation officers took part in the investigation over the past week, amid “difficult terrain and weather”.
Balcarras and Reed were “two peas in a pod” who “got along really, really well” and shared many hobbies, Balcarras’ brother, Josh, told CBC.
“When Jenny hiked, Selah was right there beside her,” he said.
Tyre said DNA testing also confirmed the four bears were not involved in a 2025 attack on a school group also in the Bella Coola area.
The incident in November of last year saw 11 people injured, two of them critically, while the bear responsible was never found.
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