LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A tragic bear attack in Newton County has led to a series of unfortunate events, culminating in the euthanization of the wrong bear, according to state wildlife officials. The incident began when Max Thomas, a 60-year-old from Springfield, Missouri, was found deceased on Oct. 2 at Sam’s Throne Campground in the Ozark National Forest.
Authorities discovered Thomas after his family requested a welfare check at his campsite. Investigators quickly mobilized, deploying traps and game cameras in the vicinity to locate the bear they deemed responsible for the attack. A bear was subsequently euthanized on Oct. 4 based on its physical characteristics, believed to resemble the one involved in Thomas’ death.
However, a DNA analysis from the Veterinary Forensic Science Laboratory at the University of Florida has since revealed that the bear killed was not the one connected to the incident involving Thomas. This development has prompted wildlife officials to continue their search for the correct bear, intensifying their focus on public safety in the region.
“While we are disappointed that the initial search did not neutralize the threat, our commitment to public safety remains paramount,” said Doug Schoenrock, director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “We acted decisively based on the best evidence available at the time, and now that we have definitive forensic data, we are adjusting our strategy. Our teams will continue to work tirelessly to find the bear.”
Wildlife officials are working diligently to remove the animal responsible for the attack, and for the time being, the campground and surrounding areas will remain closed to the public. Visitors to the Ozark National Forest are urged to remain vigilant as search efforts persist.
Officials advise those in the area to follow safety recommendations to reduce potential bear encounters. Key suggestions include storing food, garbage, and any scented items in bear-resistant containers or vehicles, and reporting any aggressive bear behavior immediately to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 833-356-0824.
Camping and hiking in bear-prone regions can pose risks, and authorities stress the importance of respecting barriers and closures put in place for public safety. For further guidance on bear encounters, officials recommend visiting educational resources available online.
The community remains shaken by the incident, reminding both locals and visitors to approach nature with caution and respect as efforts to locate the responsible bear continue.