A bear attack in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, has left a three-year-old girl recovering in hospital after the animal mauled her on a family patio on August 9, 2026. Conservation officers continue their intensive search for the black bear responsible for the violent incident that has shaken this suburban community east of Vancouver.
Young Anaiyah Lekei underwent surgery following the terrifying encounter and is now expected to make a full recovery at BC Children’s Hospital. The bear attack in Maple Ridge occurred in the 12300 block of 240 Street, where authorities have advised residents to stay clear of the area while the search continues.
What Happened During the Bear Attack
The bear attack in Maple Ridge unfolded when Anaiyah was on her family’s patio. The child’s mother, Andrea Lekei, described the horrifying moments when her daughter’s screams alerted the family to the danger.
“Suddenly, she started screaming just the blood-curdling scream and my husband was able to get to the patio first. 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.”
The black bear clawed and bit the young girl several times on the head, neck and back. The severity of the injuries required immediate medical intervention and surgical treatment.
In a remarkable act of parental protection, Anaiyah’s father managed to pull the bear away from his daughter. While the mother and grandmother worked desperately to stop the bleeding using towels, the father continued confronting the dangerous animal.
Father’s Heroic Actions to Save His Daughter
The bear attack in Maple Ridge could have been far more tragic if not for the quick thinking of Anaiyah’s parents. After pulling the bear off his daughter, the father took extraordinary measures to protect his family.
He ultimately shot the bear between the eyes with a bow and arrow, causing the animal to flee the property. This decisive action prevented further injury to his daughter and potentially saved her life.
The wounded bear ran off into the surrounding area, initiating what would become an ongoing search by wildlife authorities. The family’s immediate response demonstrated the critical importance of quick action during wildlife encounters.
Conservation Officers Continue Bear Search
Following the bear attack in Maple Ridge, RCMP officers responded to the scene and shot a black bear in a neighbor’s yard approximately 30 minutes after the initial attack. However, authorities later determined this was not the same animal responsible for attacking Anaiyah.
A necropsy performed on the deceased bear confirmed it was a different animal from the one that mauled the young girl. This means the bear that attacked Anaiyah remains at large in the Maple Ridge community.
Conservation officers have established a perimeter around the 12300 block of 240 Street and are actively searching for the bear. Residents in the immediate vicinity have been instructed to exercise extreme caution and avoid the area.
Local neighbors report that multiple bears frequent the area, with some females accompanied by cubs. This high bear activity underscores the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in suburban British Columbia communities.
Community Response and Family Support
The bear attack in Maple Ridge has prompted an outpouring of community support for the Lekei family. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover expenses related to Anaiyah’s medical treatment and recovery.
Anaiyah was airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital following the attack, where medical professionals performed surgery to address her injuries. Despite the severity of the mauling, doctors expect the three-year-old to make a complete recovery.
The family continues to cope with the traumatic experience while focusing on their daughter’s healing process. Community members have rallied around the Lekeis, offering both financial support and emotional encouragement during this difficult time.
Bear Safety Tips for British Columbia Residents
This bear attack in Maple Ridge serves as a stark reminder for residents across British Columbia about the importance of wildlife awareness. Communities near natural habitats must remain vigilant, especially during seasons when bears are most active.
Experts recommend the following precautions to reduce the risk of bear encounters:
- Secure all garbage and food waste in bear-resistant containers
- Remove bird feeders during bear-active seasons
- Keep barbecue grills clean and stored properly
- Never leave pet food outdoors
- Supervise children when playing in yards near wooded areas
The presence of multiple bears with cubs in the Maple Ridge area indicates an active bear population. Residents should report all bear sightings to conservation officers to help authorities track wildlife movements.
For families in suburban areas bordering natural habitats, installing motion-activated lights and maintaining clear sightlines around properties can help deter bears from approaching homes.
The bear attack in Maple Ridge highlights the delicate balance between urban development and wildlife conservation in British Columbia. As communities expand into traditional bear habitats, encounters between humans and these powerful animals become increasingly likely.
Conservation officers urge anyone who spots the bear believed responsible for this attack to contact authorities immediately rather than attempting to approach or confront the animal. Professional wildlife management teams have the training and equipment necessary to safely capture or relocate dangerous bears.
Is the bear that attacked the girl still at large?
Yes, conservation officers continue searching for the bear responsible for the attack. Although RCMP shot a black bear in a neighbor’s yard approximately 30 minutes after the incident, a necropsy confirmed it was not the same animal that mauled Anaiyah Lekei.
What is the condition of the child after the bear attack?
Anaiyah Lekei underwent surgery at BC Children’s Hospital after the bear clawed and bit her several times on the head, neck and back. She is now recovering and doctors expect her to make a full recovery.
What should Maple Ridge residents do while the bear search continues?
Residents in the area around the 12300 block of 240 Street have been advised to stay clear of the area. Conservation officers recommend securing all food sources and being vigilant, as neighbors report multiple bears frequent the area, some with cubs.
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