3-Year-Old Girl Hospitalized Following Bear Attack in Maple Ridge, B.C.

A three-year-old girl was taken to hospital after being attacked by a bear on Sunday morning in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.

According to Maple Ridge RCMP, the incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. PT outside the child’s home on 240 Street near 124 Avenue.

Parent Chased Bear Away

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service said the young girl was playing on the deck in her family’s backyard when the bear approached and attacked.

A parent quickly stepped in and successfully scared the animal away, preventing the situation from becoming more serious.

Child Airlifted to Hospital

Police said the girl was transported to hospital by air ambulance as a precaution because of her young age.

Authorities confirmed that she suffered non-life-threatening injuries and remains under medical care.

Bear Returned Multiple Times

RCMP officers reported that the bear repeatedly returned to the neighbourhood after the attack, showing what they described as a “high degree of interest” in the area.

At around noon, officers encountered the bear again and shot it to protect public safety, citing its aggressive behaviour and the earlier attack on the child.

Although the bear was struck, it fled into a nearby wooded area.

Conservation Officers Searching for Bear

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service’s predator attack team has taken over the search for the injured bear.

Residents living nearby have been advised to remain vigilant and stay indoors until the animal is located.

The bear attack in Maple Ridge left a three-year-old girl with non-life-threatening injuries after she was attacked while playing in her backyard.

Authorities continue to search for the injured bear and are urging local residents to remain cautious as the public safety response continues.