Tragic Bear Attack at Sam's Throne: Authorities Investigate Fatal Incident in Arkansas Wilderness
A tragic incident occurred at Sam's Throne near Mount Judea, where a camper lost his life in a possible bear attack. The Newton County Sheriff's Office responded to a welfare check call for a 60-year-old man from Missouri. Upon arrival, evidence of a struggle and drag marks were discovered, leading into the woods where the victim was found deceased with injuries consistent with a large carnivore attack. The man's family had received photos of a bear in his camp prior to the incident, indicating a potential bear involvement.
Sheriff Glenn Wheeler mentioned that the bear in question seemed to be a young male, although confirmation awaits the completion of the autopsy by the Arkansas Crime Lab. Efforts are being made to locate and remove the bear for testing by the Game and Fish Commission. The victim's identity has not been disclosed, pending the autopsy results that will determine the exact cause of death. In response to the incident, Sam's Throne Campground has been closed for public safety.
This unfortunate event marks the second bear attack in Arkansas within a month, following a similar incident in Franklin County where a man was fatally attacked by a bear. The bear involved in the previous attack tested negative for rabies and distemper, as reported by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The authorities are actively investigating the recent incident to ensure the safety of the public and prevent further encounters with wildlife.