Mother and daughter found dead after hike near Bella Coola; grizzly suspected
Jennifer Balkaras, 48, and her daughter Sila Rid, 20, were found dead after a short hike near Bella Coola; investigators suspect a grizzly bear.
Canada has been shaken after the bodies of 48-year-old Jennifer Balkaras and her 20-year-old daughter Sila Rid were found in the wilderness near Bella Coola, British Columbia. The pair had gone for a short afternoon hike and were reported missing when they failed to return.
Local search operations were launched after the family alerted authorities. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) joined provincial conservation officers in a wide search of mountain trails and forested terrain. Investigators recovered Balkaras’ body on Monday and located her daughter the following day.
Police and wildlife officers said they found clear signs at the scene pointing to a violent encounter with a wild animal.
Authorities target grizzly as suspect
Investigators are concentrating on a grizzly bear as the likely cause of the attack. Officials said every captured bear will be examined, and any animal confirmed to have been involved will be humanely killed to protect public safety.
The grieving family says the two were inseparable companions who often hiked together. Jennifer had recently moved to the area intending to start a new chapter in her life; relatives have opened a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses.
The incident has rekindled debate across Canada about grizzly-bear management. While experts emphasize that attacks remain rare and usually occur when a bear is surprised or defending cubs, conservation groups warn that growing overlap between people and wildlife raises the risk of dangerous encounters. Authorities estimate the grizzly population in some regions can reach up to 13,000 animals.
Photo: press material from the event
