Bear attacks three-year-old girl playing on deck outside home in Maple Ridge, B.C.

A three-year-old girl is recovering in a hospital following a bear attack that occurred outside her family’s home in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The incident took place on Sunday afternoon while the child was playing on a backyard deck. Police and conservation officials state that an adult black bear attacked the girl before her parent chased the animal away.

The child was subsequently airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Mounties report that the bear returned to the home and area multiple times, leading officers to shoot the bear due to its aggressive behavior and prior attack. The Conservation Officer Service claims a predator attack team has been dispatched to the scene and that the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities advise the public in the vicinity to remain indoors and stay vigilant.