Conservation officers continue search for bear after Maple Ridge girl attacked

Conservation officers are intensifying their search for a black bear following a harrowing attack on a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The incident occurred Sunday morning, leaving the young child, Anaiyah Lekei, with significant injuries.

Anaiyah was on her patio when the bear attacked, biting and clawing her several times on the head, neck, and back. Her mother, Andrea Lekei, recounted the terrifying moments, stating that her husband intervened and managed to get the bear off her daughter just as it was preparing for another bite. The father then scared the bear away, reportedly shooting it with a bow and arrow. The family used towels to staunch the bleeding while awaiting help.

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Suddenly, she started screaming just the blood-curdling scream and my husband was able to get to the patio first.

Approximately 30 minutes after the initial attack, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) shot a black bear in a nearby yard. However, a necropsy confirmed that this bear was not the one responsible for attacking Anaiyah. Conservation officers are continuing their efforts to locate and capture the bear involved in the assault.

Anaiyah was airlifted to BC Children's Hospital and is reportedly recovering well, with expectations of a full recovery. Neighbors have expressed concern, noting the presence of several bears in the area, some with cubs. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the Lekei family during this difficult time.

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He was able to get the bear off of her. She was under the bear and the bear had already attacked and was mauling her and was about to go down for another bite and he was able to get the bear off of her.