Maple Ridge RCMP shot the right bear
Published 3:42 pm Friday, August 14, 2026
The bear that mauled a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge has been killed.
The B.C. Conservation Officers Service has corrected its earlier assessment, and determined Maple Ridge RCMP did indeed shoot the right bear in the immediate aftermath of the attack last Sunday, Aug. 9.
The toddler was attacked at about 11:30 a.m., while playing on the deck of her family home in the 12300 block of 240 Street. A parent intervened and drove the bear off, but the girl was airlifted to hospital and treated for injuries that were not life threatening.
Maple Ridge RCMP said following the attack they observed a bear multiple times in the same area within around 40 minutes of the mauling – including, they said, on residential properties where people were outside.
CO Sgt. Jeremy Pauls said the Conservation Officer Service initially determined police had shot the wrong bear, but on Friday afternoon corrected that assessment and apologized.
He said there was a DNA analysis and reassessment of the evidence that determined the bear that mauled the toddler had been dispatched. No other bear was shot in connection to the incident, he said.
“We recognize the impact of our earlier assessment and apologize for the confusion it caused,” said Pauls. “We’re grateful to the RCMP officers who responded quickly to protect public safety.”
He added the COS has concluded its investigation, and: “As they continue to recover our thoughts remain with the victim and her family.”
Friends started the GoFundMe for Andrea Lekei and her partner Bradley Farnum, so they can take time off work to help care for Anaiyah, 3, following the attack.
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