LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In a distressing turn of events, Arkansas wildlife officials confirmed that they euthanized the wrong bear following a fatal encounter involving a 60-year-old man earlier this month. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) reported that DNA analysis from the University of Florida revealed that the bear killed in Newton County did not match the one believed responsible for the death of Max Thomas from Springfield, Missouri.
Thomas’s body was discovered on October 2 at Sam’s Throne Campground within the Ozark National Forest by a deputy conducting a welfare check at the request of his family. In the wake of the incident, wildlife officials quickly moved to eliminate the perceived threat by euthanizing a nearby bear, believing it bore the physical characteristics of the potentially dangerous animal.
In a bid to locate the correct bear, AGFC set up traps and game cameras in the vicinity following Thomas’s death. However, only one bear was captured on camera, and no bears were ensnared in the traps. With the realization that the bear previously killed was not the culprit, officials are now intensifying their search for the actual animal responsible for the tragic incident.
AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock emphasized the organization’s commitment to public safety. “While we are disappointed that the initial search did not neutralize the threat, our commitment to public safety remains paramount,” he stated. He added that the AGFC is recalibrating its approach now that it has definitive forensic data to guide its efforts.
Until the correct bear is found, authorities have decided to keep the campground and surrounding areas closed to the public. This closure aims to ensure the safety of visitors, as wildlife officials urge anyone in the Ozark National Forest to be vigilant concerning potential bear encounters.
As part of their safety guidelines, officials recommend that visitors securely store food, garbage, and any scented items in bear-resistant containers or vehicles and avoid leaving food unattended. They also encourage immediate reporting of any aggressive bear behavior to the AGFC.
For those interested in ensuring safety while visiting bear-populated areas, officials direct the public to resources that offer strategies for managing bear encounters effectively. The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with wildlife interactions, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in natural habitats.