FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission says the bear that attacked a Franklin County man earlier this month has tested negative for rabies and distemper.

A spokesperson for the department told KNWA/FOX24 that while the rabies and distemper tests were completed, the necropsy is not complete.

AGFC said 72-year-old Vernon Patton was attacked by a black bear in the Mulberry Mountain area on Sept. 3.

Patton was working on a gravel road with his tractor near Mulberry Mountain Lodge Park when the black bear attacked, the spokesperson previously said. Patton's son arrived to check on him and saw the bear actively attacking.

Two AGFC wardens responded to the scene and killed the animal, described by witnesses as a "smaller bear."

AGFC said Patton was airlifted

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