The search for a missing Quebec toddler continues as her mother faces charges following her disappearance. Claire Bell, a three-year-old girl, was reported missing in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, about 50 kilometers away from where she was last seen in Montreal's LaSalle borough, according to Sûreté du Québec (SQ).

Authorities reported that the child's mother parked her SUV outside a store in Coteau-du-Lac around 3 p.m. and claimed she couldn't locate her daughter. Police conducted searches throughout the night in LaSalle, Coteau-du-Lac, and Ontario. Montreal police also joined the search efforts in LaSalle, where the girl was last seen at 9:45 a.m. on Newman Boulevard.

Helicopters, drones, and tracking dogs were utilized in the search operation. The mother was arrested for child abandonment, and she is set to appear in court to face charges.

Claire Bell is described as three feet tall with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white long-sleeve shirt with pink on the collar and grey pants. The mother was driving a 2007 grey Ford Escape with a "Baby on Board" sticker in the back window and the licence plate K50 FVE.

Authorities have asked the public to be on the lookout for a long-haired chihuahua with reddish-brown fur, who may have been with the girl. Unfortunately, a dog resembling the family's chihuahua was found dead near the junction of highway 20 and highway 30. The circumstances surrounding the disappearance remain unclear.

Officials urge anyone with information on Claire Bell's whereabouts to contact 911 immediately. Tips can be reported anonymously.