RCMP shoot bear, but it is still at large
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A young child was attacked by a bear outside her Maple Ridge home on Sunday morning and has been airlifted to hospital.
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According to the Maple Ridge RCMP, police were called to the home on the 12300-block of 240 Street at 11:30 a.m. after the three-year-old girl was attacked on the back deck.
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A parent who was nearby was able to intervene and chase the bear away.
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“While officers were on scene, the bear returned to the residence and the immediate area multiple times, showing a high degree of interest in the location,” the police statement read.
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The area was secured, allowing B.C. Conservation Officer Service and B.C. Ambulance Service workers to attend the scene.
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Sunrise
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“The child was transported to hospital via air ambulance out of an abundance of caution due to her age. She is currently in hospital with non-life-altering injuries,” the police statement read.
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At around noon, police officers located the bear and shot it.
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“As the bear had showed signs of aggression and already attacked a small child, officers made the decision to discharge a firearm in an effort to protect public safety in the immediate area. The bear was struck but continued to flee into a wooded area,” the police statement read.
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A BCCOS predator attack team has been deployed to the scene to track the injured animal.
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People living in the area of 123 Avenue and 240 Street are asked to by vigilant.
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