MOM, 48, AND HER 20-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER FOUND DEAD AFTER DISAPPEARING DURING WALK AS AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE SUSPECTED GRIZZLY BEAR ATTACK

A mother and her 20-year-old daughter have been found dead after disappearing during what was believed to be a routine walk along a woodland trail in British Columbia, Canada.

Jennifer “Jenny” Balcarras, 48, and her daughter, Selah Reed, 20, were reported missing on Sunday, November 1, after failing to return from an outing near the Snooka West Trail in Bella Coola.

Their disappearance prompted a search involving the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), local search-and-rescue teams and the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service.

Authorities later discovered both victims in the same general area, with evidence suggesting that a grizzly bear may have been involved.

The first body was located on Monday, November 2, while the second was discovered on Tuesday afternoon, November 3.

Officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether one or multiple bears may have been involved.

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER WERE REPORTED MISSING AFTER A WALK

According to family members, Jennifer and Selah had gone for a walk in the Snooka West Trail area over the weekend.

The pair were familiar with the route, which was located close to their home and was not considered an unusually remote destination.

Their family became concerned after they failed to return and could no longer be reached.

Jennifer’s brother, Matthew Balcarras, spoke about the devastating experience of learning that his sister and niece had disappeared.

The family initially hoped the two would be found safe. However, the search took a heartbreaking turn when authorities located Jennifer on Monday afternoon.

Search teams continued looking for Selah until her body was discovered the following day.

The discoveries brought the search to a tragic end, leaving relatives and the wider Bella Coola community mourning the loss of two family members.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE GRIZZLY BEAR INVOLVEMENT

The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said evidence from the scene indicated possible wildlife involvement.

Inspector Jeff Tyre confirmed that officers were investigating the possibility of a fatal bear encounter.

Authorities have also raised the possibility that more than one grizzly bear could have been involved, although this has not been established.

Wildlife officers are working to locate and capture any bears potentially connected to the incident.

According to officials, any animal captured will be assessed. If a bear is confirmed to have been involved in the fatal encounter, it will be euthanized in accordance with provincial public-safety guidelines.

Residents and visitors have been urged to avoid the Snooka West Trail area while the investigation and wildlife operations continue.

A curfew was also imposed in the Bella Coola community as authorities worked to address the potential danger.

JENNIFER HAD RECENTLY MOVED TO BELLA COOLA FOR A NEW CHAPTER

Beyond the circumstances of the tragedy, Jennifer’s family has been remembering her as a strong, compassionate woman who dedicated much of her life to helping others.

Jennifer worked as an art therapist and had recently moved to Bella Coola to pursue a new career and begin another chapter of her life.

She had previously lived in several coastal communities, including locations in British Columbia and Alaska.

Her brother described her as an exceptionally strong woman who had experience living in remote environments and was comfortable spending time outdoors.

He also remembered her as a talented artist and an inspiration to her family.

Jennifer was a mother of four and a grandmother. Her death has left her surviving children and grandchild facing an unimaginable loss.

FAMILY REMEMBERS SELAH AS A GENTLE YOUNG WOMAN

Selah Reed, Jennifer’s youngest daughter, was just 20 years old.

She was beginning her adult life and pursuing her education while also working as an educational assistant.

Family members described her as a gentle and quiet young woman who had a close relationship with her mother.

The two shared a love of hiking and the outdoors, making their weekend walks an activity they enjoyed together.

Relatives said Selah had her whole life ahead of her, and her passing has been especially difficult for those who watched her grow up.

Her family is now facing the loss of both a mother and a daughter, who had shared so many experiences together.

COMMUNITY STILL REMEMBERS A PREVIOUS BEAR INCIDENT

The latest tragedy has also brought renewed concern to Bella Coola, a community known for its surrounding wilderness and grizzly bear population.

The incident comes less than a year after another serious bear encounter in the same region.

In November 2025, a grizzly bear attacked a group of elementary school students and teachers during an outdoor field trip in the Bella Coola Valley.

Eleven people were injured, including three children and one adult who suffered serious injuries and required emergency medical transportation.

The bear involved in that incident was never captured.

The latest deaths have therefore raised further concerns about wildlife encounters in an area where bears are a familiar presence.

Wildlife safety experts have previously emphasized the importance of understanding bear behavior and taking precautions when walking or hiking in areas inhabited by grizzlies.

FAMILY LAUNCHES FUNDRAISER FOLLOWING DOUBLE LOSS

As relatives begin making funeral arrangements, a fundraising campaign has been established to help cover the unexpected expenses associated with the loss of both Jennifer and Selah.

The campaign explains that Jennifer had recently relocated to Bella Coola, a move that had placed additional financial pressure on her family.

The fundraiser is intended to help with funeral costs and provide support to the surviving family members during this difficult period.

At the time of PEOPLE’s November 4 report, the campaign had raised more than $13,000 through donations from people wishing to help.

The community has also expressed condolences to the family and recognized the efforts of police officers, search-and-rescue volunteers, conservation officers and local representatives who participated in the search.

AUTHORITIES CONTINUE SEARCHING FOR BEARS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED

Although both missing family members have been located, the investigation is not over.

Conservation officers are continuing their efforts to identify and capture any bears that may have been involved.

Officials have stressed that it remains unclear whether one animal or multiple grizzlies were responsible.

The public has been asked to stay away from the affected trail area and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.

For Jennifer and Selah’s loved ones, however, the immediate focus is now on grieving two lives lost during what was supposed to be an ordinary outing.

A mother who had recently moved to build a new future and a daughter who was just beginning adulthood are now being remembered together.

Their family is left with the memories of two women who shared a close bond, a love of the outdoors and a journey that ended far too soon.