A 60-year-old man from Missouri has tragically died following a suspected bear attack while he was camping in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas. This rare fatal incident has prompted local authorities to investigate and take action.
The alarm was raised by the victim’s children, who reported their father missing after not hearing from him for a couple of days during his camping trip to Sam’s Throne campground. Sheriff Glenn Wheeler confirmed the situation and the subsequent discovery of the man’s body several yards from his campsite. Initial findings indicated injuries consistent with an attack by a large carnivore.
Following the discovery, the bear believed to be responsible for the attack was successfully tracked and captured. The animal was subsequently euthanized. Officials plan to conduct a necropsy on the bear, including DNA testing, to confirm its involvement and potentially match samples to the victim.
Sheriff Wheeler expressed relief for the community, stating, “This was a dangerous bear.” The campground has been temporarily closed as investigations continue.
Prior to the attack, the man had reportedly shared photos of a bear in his campsite with his family, aiding in the identification of the animal as a young male matching the description. While black bear attacks are uncommon in North America, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks when venturing into the wilderness.
Arkansas is home to an estimated 5,000 black bears, the only bear species found in the state. Fatal encounters, though rare, underscore the importance of respecting wildlife and taking necessary precautions in bear habitats.