A 60-year old man from Missouri was found dead at the Sam’s Throne Campground in Arkansas in what the Newton County Sheriff’s Office believes to be a fatal bear attack.
According to Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler, his office received a call on Thursday from someone who said his father was camping at the campsite and hadn’t been heard from for a couple day.
A sheriff’s deputy arrived at the campground where he found signs of struggle and injury, but no sight of the camper.
Investigators in Newton County initiated a search for the camper, who was eventually found dead several yards away from the campsite.
Investigators noted that his injuries were consistent with an attack from a large carnivore.
The family of the man also told investigators that he had sent them photos of what appeared to be a young male bear at his campsite on Tuesday morning.
An autopsy of the camper is currently being conducted by the Arkansas Crime Lab, which will confirm whether the cause of death was a bear attack.
Efforts to locate the bear that seemingly attacked the camper are currently underway by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and some local hunters.
Sam’s Throne Playground has been closed by the campground due to public safety while officials continue to search for the bear and set traps in the area.
Sheriff Wheeler recommends that anyone camping in the area to follow bear safety measures, such as securing food in containers and keeping them away from your sleeping area, carrying bear spray or a firearm, and never feeding or approaching bears.
Photo courtesy of Newton County, AR Sheriff’s Office.