The Ministry of Community Safety has confirmed that a bear was involved in the deaths of two people at McTavish Lake in northern Saskatchewan earlier this week.
The names of the deceased were not released by authorities, but various online reports have identified them as Regina couple Jay and Deb MacDonald.
On Friday, RCMP confirmed the pair was found at a cabin on the lake north of La Ronge.
Following a brief search, conservation officers located the bear believed to be responsible and euthanized it. The bear is now being transported to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon for necropsy to determine what role, if any, it played in the tragic incident.
Black bears are the only bruin species native to the area.
RCMP say the investigation remains underway. Officers were initially involved, but since the deaths are not considered suspicious, the Saskatchewan Conservation Officer Service, in tandem with the Coroner’s Service, has taken over the investigation.
The Ministry of Community Safety thanked the RCMP for its initial support and extended “sincere condolences to the family and loved ones” of the deceased.
Stay tuned as this story develops.