A tragic suspected bear attack has left a 60-year-old Missouri man dead near a popular campsite in the Ozark Mountains, according to authorities.
The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was camping at Sam’s Throne near Mt. Judea when he went missing earlier this week. His family told investigators he had sent them photographs of a bear from his campsite just days before his disappearance.
Sheriff Glenn Wheeler confirmed that deputies were alerted after the man’s son reported he hadn’t heard from his father in several days. When officers arrived, they discovered the man’s truck and disturbed campsite. Evidence suggested a violent struggle: drag marks led from the tent site into the surrounding woods.
The man’s body was found several yards away, with injuries “absolutely consistent with a bear attack,” Wheeler said. Photos previously shared by the victim appeared to show a young male bear near his camp.
“This is an extremely unusual and heartbreaking case,” Wheeler explained. “Once a bear displays predatory behavior, it can become a continuing danger to the public.”
Multiple agencies, along with search dogs and local hunters, are working to locate the animal. Residents are urged to remain alert, but officials warn against indiscriminate hunting: “It’s early in the investigation. This is not open season on bears,” Wheeler cautioned.
Authorities have since closed Sam’s Throne campsite until further notice. This incident marks the second fatal bear attack in Arkansas in less than a month.
