A man was killed in what appears to be a bear attack in Springfield, Missouri, just days after he shared a photo of a young bear at his campsite in Arkansas.
On Thursday, police discovered the body of a 60-year-old man at a campsite in the Ozark National Forest near Mount Jewish. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office released a statement about the incident.
According to the authorities, “The campground showed signs of a struggle, and there were injuries present.” Additionally, there was a trail that led from the campsite into the woods.
If confirmed, this incident would mark the second fatal bear attack in Arkansas in just a month.
After the man’s son reported not hearing from him for several days, officials conducted a welfare check at the Sam’s Throne Recreation Area where the man was camping alone.
Authorities described the young bear in the man’s photographs as resembling a juvenile male.
Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler warned individuals to exercise caution if they encounter a bear.
We can’t definitively state that it was a bear until the Arkansas Crime Lab completes the autopsy, but all evidence strongly indicates that. We are actively seeking out and handling bears so that the fish and game committee can investigate what may have triggered the encounter. Without a doubt, the bear was present at the victim’s camp, and the injuries align with a bear attack. This situation is quite rare. If you’re in the vicinity, please stay vigilant, especially with children. Historical patterns suggest that once bears show predatory behavior, they often repeat it.
The sheriff also mentioned a search for a bear that might need to be “taken care of” to avoid further incidents.
The campsite will remain closed while the search for the bear continues.
As of the latest update on Friday, the sheriff indicated discussions with the Arkansas Crime Institute revealed that the cause of death for the man at the campground has been identified as “animal attacks” and an accident.
Officials are now waiting for DNA results to confirm it was indeed a bear attack.
The sheriff advised campers and hikers to follow bear safety guidelines.
“If you’re camping in this area, make sure to store your food away from your sleeping area. Secure it, feed it properly, or just keep your distance from bears—no matter how small. It’s a good idea to carry bear spray or firearms for protection,” he added.
If confirmed, this attack would be the second deadly bear encounter in the state within a month. Earlier in September, a black bear fatally attacked a 72-year-old man in the Mulberry Mountain region, approximately 80 miles from the recent incident. The bear involved was later found and euthanized.
Before this, the last fatal bear attack in Arkansas dated back to 1982.
