Search continues for bear after attack on girl in Maple Ridge

Conservation officers in British Columbia are continuing their search for a black bear that attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The child, Anaiyah Lekei, was airlifted to BC Children's Hospital following the incident and is now recovering after surgery for non-life-threatening injuries.

The attack occurred shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Sunday at a residential property in the 12300 block of 240 Street. According to the BC Conservation Officer Service, the girl was playing on her family's backyard deck when she was attacked by an adult black bear. Her mother, Andrea Lekei, described hearing her daughter's screams and said her husband was the first to reach the patio. He intervened and was able to get the bear off the child, who was underneath the animal. The father then shot the bear between the eyes with a bow and arrow, causing it to run off.

First responders, including Maple Ridge RCMP, B.C. Ambulance Service, and the Conservation Officer Service, arrived at the scene shortly after. An air ambulance transported Anaiyah to the hospital. While officers were present, the bear returned to the home and immediate area multiple times. Due to its...