A 60-year-old man was found dead at a campground in Arkansas, and officials suspect a bear attack may be responsible. The Newton County Sheriff's Office reported that the man's death has been classified as an "animal mauling" by the Arkansas State Crime Lab, with the cause deemed accidental. DNA testing is underway to confirm the species involved in the incident.

Sheriff Glenn Wheeler stated, "This confirms our suspicions, and I appreciate the quick work of the Medical Examiner in getting us and the family preliminary answers. I also understand their desire to confirm the species of animal via DNA just to cover all our bases."

The victim, a camper from Missouri, was reported missing by his son after he failed to check in for several days. Deputies were dispatched to Sam's Throne Campground, located near Mt. Judea, on October 2. Upon arrival, they discovered the man's truck and campsite had been disturbed, with signs of a struggle and drag marks leading into the woods.

Authorities later located the man's body several yards from his campsite. He had sustained extensive injuries consistent with those typically associated with a large carnivore attack. Investigators noted that the man had sent photos of a bear in his camp just days before his death.

Officials believe the bear involved in the attack is a juvenile male that may have recently been separated from its mother. Sheriff Wheeler explained, "There is a lot of speculation circulating about the bear, and I can say that the one believed to have attacked the man was not a large bear. We believe it to be a juvenile male that was likely weaned and kicked off its mother this year."

Search efforts for the bear are ongoing, with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and local agencies. The campground and surrounding areas have been closed to the public until further notice. Wheeler indicated that if bears are encountered during the search, officials will be able to identify most of them based on photographs, size, and markings.

Authorities are advising residents and campers in the area to remain vigilant and adhere to bear safety practices. These include storing food away from sleeping areas and avoiding contact with bears of any size. Wheeler cautioned, "This is a highly unusual case. We are very early in the investigation and search and will update as we can. If you are in the area, just be aware and use caution, especially with children. History tells us that once a bear becomes predatory, it often continues those behaviors."

The victim's identity has not been released pending notification of family members. This incident marks a rare occurrence, as the last fatal bear attack in Arkansas was reported in 1892. In early September, a 72-year-old man was mauled by a bear and later died from his injuries. Keith Stephens, chief of communications for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, expressed disbelief at the recent events, stating, "These things just don’t happen. It just seems so bizarre. I’m really in shock today."