A Manitoba family is mourning the death of 21-year-old Moses Campeau, who died in Sapotaweyak Cree Nation after what RCMP say was an animal attack.

Police were called to the community on Sept. 9 after reports of a suspicious death. An autopsy later determined that the preliminary cause of death was an animal attack, but the specific animal has not been confirmed.  An autopsy said a big dog, small bear, or a wolf killed him. It is very unlikely a wolf killed this man. Wolves rarely kill people. It was likely a dog attack. His mother thinks that a mother bear killed him, and she wants the bear family humanely relocated.​  It is bizarre that wolves would even be considered as possible culprits, considering fatal wolf attacks on humans are extremely rare. Even wolf bite incidents are rare.

Moses’ mother, Paula Campeau, believes a bear was responsible. She said her son was found alive after the attack, with severe injuries, and that two women who discovered him tried to help and performed CPR. She said he died about an hour and a half later.

The family has also raised concerns about the response time for an ambulance, which Campeau said took roughly two hours to arrive.

However, Manitoba officials say the province’s Conservation Officer Service predator attack team is assisting with the investigation and that the preliminary investigation has ruled out a bear attack.

The family had suspected a bear after reports of bears and a cub being seen near the community.

Moses was described by his mother as a strong, hardworking logger and a well-known member of the community.

His funeral is expected to take place later this month.

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Source: CTV News / Manitoba RCMP

A Manitoba mother is speaking out after her 21-year-old son died from what RCMP say was an animal attack, saying she believes a bear was responsible and criticizing what she calls a slow response from conservation officers.  Many local residents believe a stray dog who didn't have any veterinary care may have been the one who fatally bit him.​  There is a lack of a humane society in the community. This organization is trying to help the dogs.  We are currently off-line,  If you are concerned about an animal in distress, please contact the Animal Care Line at 1-888-945-8001.  Leave your name, message and a call back number and they WILL return your call.

RCMP in Swan River say they received a report of a suspicious death in Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, just under 600 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, on Sept. 9. Officers arrived to find a 21-year-old man dead on a road in the community, and Manitoba RCMP’s Major Crime Services took over the investigation.

In Manitoba, the tragic death of a young man, aged 21, has left a community grieving and searching for answers. The incident has stirred confusion and deep emotions, as the specifics of the attack remain unclear. What's certain is a spread of fear and a rush to judgment against the wildlife that shares this habitat with us.  https://www.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg/article/manitoba-mother-says-her-son-fought-for-his-life-in-fatal-animal-attack/

Local reports initially suggested an animal attack, but the species responsible remains unidentified. Conservation officials have ruled out bears, yet local residents, fueled by suspicion and fear, are trapping and killing bears in hopes of finding justice for a life lost too soon. The focus then shifted to wolves, but experts and local residents know the improbable nature of such a theory—wolf attacks on humans are extremely rare, almost unprecedented.

This uncertainty has led to a knee-jerk reaction of eliminating animals from our forests, animals who may be innocent and vital to our ecosystem. Meanwhile, critical evidence and scientific analysis are overlooked. The initial possibilities also included an attack by a dog or even the possibility of homicide, before being ruled out. As emotions run high, the demand for action leads to misguided reprisals against local wildlife.

We understand the heartache and anger that accompanies such a devastating loss, but reacting with indiscriminate wildlife killings serves no justice and only unbalances our natural world further. Instead, these efforts should be directed towards completing a thorough investigation to find out what truly occurred. It's crucial to use this grief to unite as a community to prevent another tragedy, not by striking out in fear, but by seeking understanding and solutions.

We urge the local authorities and the Manitoba Conservation to uphold policies that promote coexistence with wildlife. Immediate actions should include a halt on the trapping and killing of bears, a comprehensive investigation aided by forensic wildlife experts, and increased support for public education on wildlife interactions.

Join us in advocating for justice and compassion over fear-driven actions. Sign this petition to call on the Manitoba Conservation and local authorities to carry out a meticulous and transparent investigation into this incident, ensuring swift intervention only grounded in factual evidence. Help us encourage approaches that preserve our community and the wildlife that thrive within it.