A mother and daughter left home for what was supposed to be a peaceful afternoon walk, but tragically, neither returned. Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her daughter, Selah Reed, 20, have been identified as the two victims of a suspected bear attack near Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada. Their family reported them missing on Sunday after they failed to return from a trail just a five-minute drive from their home.

Search teams discovered Jennifer’s body in the Snooka West Trail area on Monday, while the second victim was found on Tuesday afternoon. Jennifer’s brother, Josh Balcarras, described the devastating experience as surreal, saying it felt like a dream. He explained how the family’s concern grew from a few hours without hearing from them into a night of uncertainty, followed by another heartbreaking day. He said the pair had simply gone for “a casual walk.”

Jennifer was an art therapist who loved nature, painting, reading, singing, and playing guitar. Her brothers remembered her as a central figure in the family. Selah was studying online through Athabasca University while working as an education assistant. Loved ones described her as a gentle, sweet, and quiet soul who shared many of her mother’s interests. The two were extremely close, often hiking side by side, with family members saying they were like two peas in a pod.

Authorities with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service are investigating the suspected attack and searching for the bears potentially involved. Officers have begun efforts to trap and capture them, although no bears had been caught at the time of the report. Officials said any captured animal would be assessed and, if confirmed to have been involved, dealt with under provincial wildlife safety guidelines. The public has also been urged to stay away from the Snooka West Trail area. Jennifer and Selah will be deeply missed by their family and loved ones. May they both rest in peace.