Man killed in rare bear attack at Arkansas campground
- A 60-year-old man was found deceased near his campsite in Arkansas with signs of struggle and injuries resembling those from a bear attack.
- The sheriff confirmed the man’s death was due to an 'Animal Mauling' and urged caution for others in the area.
- Authorities are actively searching for the juvenile bear suspected of the attack to prevent future incidents.
In Arkansas, authorities reported a tragic incident in which a 60-year-old man from Springfield, Missouri, was found dead at Sam’s Throne Campground. The man's body was discovered several yards from his campsite, which showed signs of disturbance and a struggle, prompting a welfare check by deputies on October 2, 2023. Earlier that week, the victim had sent family photographs depicting a juvenile bear near his campsite, leading investigators to strongly suspect that bear attacks could be involved in his death. Following the discovery, a rigorous investigation was launched. Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler stated that injuries found on the victim were consistent with those expected from an attack by a large carnivore, likely a bear. Although the preliminary investigation supported these suspicions, authorities awaited DNA test results to confirm the species responsible for the attack. The sheriff emphasized that this was an unusual case, particularly since there had not been a fatal bear attack in Arkansas for over four decades until then. Moreover, officials noted that the bear believed responsible was identified as a juvenile male, possibly separated from its mother recently. This raised concerns about predatory behavior in young bears that might pose risks to campers. In light of the attack, the Sam’s Throne Campground was closed, and local law enforcement coordinated with various agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to locate the bear for further testing. As they conducted their search, Wheeler urged campers in the area to adhere to bear safety practices, including securing food and avoiding direct encounters with bears. The community was advised to remain vigilant while the situation unfolded, highlighting the drastic hub of human-bear interactions in the Ozark National Forest. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious and educated while venturing into wildlife habitats, particularly when young bears may exhibit unpredictable behavior.