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DNA expert likens B.C. bear attack investigation to human crime scene
Investigators are comparing animal DNA from the scene with captured bears and samples from a prior grizzly attack, officials said.
- The BC Conservation Officer Service continues searching for the bear responsible for the fatal attack on art therapist Jenny Balcarras and her adult daughter, Selah Reed, near Bella Coola after they were reported missing on Sunday.
- Forensic DNA expert Dean Hildebrand, who oversees the accredited forensic DNA lab at the British Columbia Institute, says investigators will likely use techniques similar to those used at human crime scenes to identify the culprit animal.
- Hildebrand notes that while the process mirrors human forensic investigations, animal scene investigators face fewer concerns regarding cross-contamination with their own DNA when comparing sequences with captured animals.
- As of Wednesday, no bears had been captured, though the Conservation Officer Service stated, "various trapping techniques are being implemented as these efforts continue, with officers being rotated into the community."
- DNA collected last year in the same area followed a grizzly attack on about 20 elementary school students and teachers, which left an adult and three children badly injured.
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DNA expert likens B.C. bear attack investigation to human crime scene
A forensic DNA expert says investigators assessing the scene of this week's deadly bear attack in Bella Coola, B.C., will likely use techniques to identify the culprit animal very similar to those used on a human crime scene. Dean Hildebrand, who overs...
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Total News Sources19
Leaning Left13Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution69% Left
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources lean Left
69% Left
L 69%
C 26%
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