DNA results confirm the black bear involved in a deadly attack near Lillooet last month has been euthanized by the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

Saliva found on the clothing of 72-year-old Bernice Evelyn Adolph matches that of a black bear destroyed at the scene by conservation officers on July 9. Based on the DNA results and evidence collected during the investigation, conservation officers have concluded the bear was responsible for the attack and all traps have been removed from the area.

The BC Coroners Service confirmed last week that the Xaxli'p elder died of a bear attack which occurred on June 26, four days before her remains were discovered on her remote property. Five bears found in close proximity to the attack site were euthanized over the course of the investigation to ensure public safety was not compromised during the effort to locate the bear responsible.

Black bear attacks are extremely rare. Typically, attacks are a defensive response to protect cubs, food or territory. Predatory attacks are exceptionally rare.

While most conflicts begin when people allow bears to access non-natural food sources, this was not an issue in this case. The property was well maintained and there was no evidence of bear attractants such as food and garbage.

The public is encouraged to report wildlife that poses a risk to public safety to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service 24-hour call centre at 1 877 952-7277 (RAPP) toll free, or #7277 on cellphones.

View bear safety tips at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/info/bearaware/index.html

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Chief Inspector Lance Sundquist of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service will be available for a media conference call at 3:30 p.m., July 14, 2011.

Dial-in Phone Numbers:

* 1 877 353-9184 toll free

* 604 681-0260 Vancouver local

Conference I.D.: 434703

Media Contact:

Suntanu Dalal
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745