Authorities in Arkansas are investigating the death of a 60-year-old man who was reportedly attacked and killed by a black bear at a campsite. The victim’s body was discovered near Sam’s Throne Campground in the Ozarks, showing signs of a struggle. The Newton County Sheriff confirmed the cause of death as an “animal mauling” consistent with a large carnivore attack.
Officials found drag marks leading from the camp into the woods, indicating a grim fate for the Missouri man on October 5. A black bear was captured on camera near the attack site, with high likelihood it was the same bear involved in the incident. The bear was transported to Little Rock for further examination, including DNA testing to match with the victim.
The victim’s family raised concerns after he sent them a photo of a bear from the camp but did not contact them afterward. In a separate incident, another man in Franklin County died from injuries sustained in a black bear encounter, highlighting the dangers posed by these animals.
The American black bear, the most common bear species in North America and the only bear found in Arkansas, is known for its non-aggressive nature. Despite being the smallest bear species in the U.S., black bears can become dangerous if startled or provoked. With over 5,000 black bears estimated in Arkansas, authorities urge caution, especially during bear hunting season.
Statistics show that black bear attacks are rare, with an average of less than one fatal attack per year by the 750,000 black bears in North America. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife awareness and safety precautions when camping or exploring bear habitats.