LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Officials with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission announced Thursday that DNA testing confirmed the black bear euthanized in Newton County on Oct. 4 was not responsible for the deadly mauling in the Ozark National Forest.

Officials said the DNA analysis was conducted by the Veterinary Forensic Science Laboratory at the University of Florida.

According to a spokesperson, Max Thomas of Springfield, Missouri, was found dead on Oct. 2 at Sam’s Throne Campground in the Ozark National Forest. A Newton County sheriff’s deputy discovered his body during a welfare check at the request of Thomas’ family, who had grown concerned after being unable to reach him at his campsite.

Three days later, AGFC biologists euthanized a bear believed to be responsible for the attack. The

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