Arkansas wildlife authorities have shot and killed a male black bear believed to be responsible for the fatal mauling of a 60-year-old man from Missouri last week. Officials say the deadly encounter marks one of the rarest and most tragic human-wildlife incidents recorded in the region in recent years.
According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), the attack occurred near the northern border of the state, where rural wooded terrain often attracts black bears in search of food. The victim, whose identity has not been released pending family notification, was discovered dead after suffering what officials described as “severe traumatic injuries consistent with a bear attack.”
Investigators believe the man may have encountered the animal near his property or while walking through nearby woods. Preliminary evidence — including tracks, claw markings, and DNA samples collected at the scene — led wildlife officers to conclude that a large male black bear was responsible for the deadly mauling.
On Monday, wildlife officers located and euthanized a black bear approximately one mile from where the attack took place. Officials said the bear matched the description and physical evidence gathered from the scene. Samples from the animal have been sent to a state laboratory for genetic testing to confirm whether it was indeed the bear involved in the fatal encounter.
“While black bear attacks on humans are extremely uncommon, they can occur when the animals feel threatened, cornered, or become accustomed to human presence,” AGFC spokespersons said. “This was a tragic and unusual event, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family.”
Authorities are urging residents in rural and wooded areas to remain alert and take precautions, including securing garbage, removing outdoor food sources, and avoiding direct interaction with wildlife. Officials also reminded the public that black bears, although typically shy, can become aggressive when startled or protecting food and offspring.
The fatal encounter has shocked both Arkansas and southern Missouri communities, where black bear sightings have become increasingly common in recent years. Wildlife experts attribute this trend to population growth and expanding bear territories, which sometimes bring the animals into closer contact with humans.
Local residents expressed fear and disbelief following the incident. “We’ve seen bears around here before, but nothing like this has ever happened,” one neighbor told investigators. “Everyone’s shaken — it’s hard to imagine something so brutal happening so close to home.”
AGFC officers continue to monitor the surrounding area for additional bear activity to ensure public safety. They emphasized that such fatal attacks remain extraordinarily rare, noting that black bears typically avoid humans and that the vast majority of encounters end without incident.
As the investigation continues, wildlife officials say they hope the findings will provide closure for the victim’s family and serve as a reminder of the importance of caution in areas where wild animals roam freely. The confirmed cause of death will be determined by the state medical examiner once all forensic and wildlife testing is complete.
