RVers know fall brings more than crisp air and colorful leaves—it also brings wildlife on the move. This week, Arkansas officials are investigating the case of a camper killed in a bear attack at Sam’s Throne, a well-known climbing and camping area near Mt. Judea in the Ozarks. What began as a quiet solo trip for a Missouri man ended in a rare and tragic encounter with one of the region’s most powerful wild residents.
The 60-year-old man had been camping alone since Monday, Sept. 29, and was expected home Friday. When his family hadn’t heard from him for several days, his son called the Newton County Sheriff’s Office to check on him.
Camper killed in bear attack at Sam’s Throne, Arkansas
Thursday, a deputy discovered the man’s truck and campsite and immediately saw signs of a struggle. The area looked disturbed, and drag marks stretched into the nearby woods. The man’s body was discovered several yards away, showing what Sheriff Glenn Wheeler described as “extensive injuries consistent with those expected from a large carnivore attack.”
Investigators learned the camper had sent photos earlier in the week showing a bear in his campsite. Based on those photos, Wheeler said the bear appeared to be a young male. “We know without a doubt that a bear was in camp with our victim and the injuries absolutely are consistent with a bear attack,” he said. “This is a highly unusual case.”
An autopsy confirmed the man died from an animal mauling, though tests are still underway to confirm the species involved. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office, along with the U.S. Forest Service, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and several other agencies, are working together to locate the animal.
Authorities “Don’t want open season on any bear”
“We are attempting to find the bear and dispose of it so the Game and Fish Commission can test it for anything that may have led to the encounter,” Wheeler said. He urged the public to be cautious but not to panic. “I don’t want this to become open season on any bear that someone may see, as most bears fear humans and run away. But at the same time, don’t put yourself or others in jeopardy.”
Sam’s Throne Campground remains closed during the investigation. Bear attacks in Arkansas remain extremely rare; the state last recorded a fatal incident in 1892.
For those camping this fall, especially in bear country, officials remind visitors to take standard precautions: store food securely, keep a clean camp, and never approach or feed wildlife. The National Park Service advises anyone who encounters a bear to stay calm, back away slowly, and give the animal plenty of space. That’s good practice whether you’re sleeping in a tent, a truck camper, or a Class A motorhome.
Sources include CBS News and Springfield News Leader
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