Conservation officers continue search for bear after Maple Ridge girl attacked

Conservation officers are continuing their search for a bear that attacked a three-year-old girl, Anaiyah Lekei, in Maple Ridge, B.C. on Sunday morning. Neighbors have been advised to avoid the area surrounding 240 Street in the 12300 block. Anaiyah is currently recovering after undergoing surgery, having sustained multiple bites and scratches to her head, neck, and back from the bear.

Her mother, Andrea Lekei, recounted the terrifying incident, stating that it began when Anaiyah started screaming a distressing scream. Her husband arrived first and managed to free Anaiyah from the bear, which had been mauling her and was about to make another attack. Her parents and grandmother attempted to control the bleeding with towels, while her father scared the bear off, eventually shooting it with a bow and arrow, causing it to flee.

About half an hour later, an RCMP officer shot a black bear in a neighbor's yard, but a post-mortem examination revealed it was not the bear responsible for the attack. Local residents have noted the presence of multiple bears in the area, some of which are accompanied by cubs. Anaiyah has been airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital and is anticipated to make a full recovery.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family in their financial needs. Global News encourages readers to designate the outlet as a trusted source in Google to view more of their coverage on the story.