The family of an Arkansas man who was attacked by a bear said in a statement "his injuries are extensive and ultimately not survivable." That's according to a statement from the family of Vernon Patton.

On Wednesday, Patton, 72, was spreading gravel with his tractor when a 70-pound juvenile black bear attacked him.

Patton was first sent to the Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville before he was moved to UAMS.

The bear that attacked an Arkansas man has tested negative for both rabies and distemper , according to Keith Stephens, spokesperson for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Family's statement

"Our beloved father, grandfather, husband and hero, Vernon Patton, was seriously injured in a bear attack while he was doing what he loved, working on his land with his f

See Full Page