A 60-year-old Missouri man was found dead near his campsite in Newton County after what authorities believe may have been a bear attack, Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said Friday.
Deputies were called Thursday to Sam’s Throne campground, near Mount Judea, after the man’s son reported he had not heard from his father in several days. At the scene, a deputy found the man’s truck and a disturbed campsite showing signs of a struggle and drag marks leading into the woods. The victim was discovered several yards away with injuries investigators said were consistent with a large carnivore attack.
Wheeler said the man had sent his family photos of a bear at his campsite earlier in the week. Multiple agencies, including the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, are assisting in the investigation and search for the bear, believed to be a young male.
Sam’s Throne campground has been closed temporarily as officials continue their efforts. The victim’s name has not been released, and the Arkansas Crime Lab will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on
93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
