On Wednesday, a quiet rural area in Franklin County, Arkansas, became the site of an unusual and alarming wildlife encounter when a 72-year-old man was attacked by a black bear. The incident, described by wildlife officials as "exceedingly rare," has drawn attention due to its severity and the fact that it marks the first documented bear attack in the state in at least 25 years.
The attack occurred near Highway 23 in the Mulberry Mountain area, close to the Mulberry Mountain Lodge, a popular spot for outdoor activities. Vernon Patton, a 72-year-old resident of Ozark, was working on a gravel road, spreading gravel with his tractor, when he was suddenly assaulted by what authorities called a small, juvenile black bear.
“It wasn’t a very large bear,” Arkansas Game and Fish Commission communications chief Keith Stephens said. “It weighed about 80 pounds. Probably a yearling. They are about that size when they are pushed out of the den by the mother.”
Patton's son discovered him during the attack and quickly called for emergency assistance, which is looking like played a crucial role in his survival. Emergency responders airlifted Patton to Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville for initial treatment before transferring him to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. As of yesterday, Patton's condition had improved from critical to stable, and he was reported to be recovering, with his family expressing gratitude for community support while declining further interviews.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) wardens responded promptly to the scene, locating the bear still in the vicinity. The animal was euthanized to prevent further risk, and its carcass was sent for a necropsy at the Department of Agriculture and a state crime lab. Tests are underway to check for diseases such as rabies or distemper, which could explain the uncharacteristic aggression, with results anticipated within 72 hours or by early the following week.
AGFC biologists are also investigating other potential factors, including whether the bear had become "food-conditioned" - habituated to human food sources, leading to a loss of natural fear of people.
“I’ve been at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for almost 20 years and have never heard of a black bear attack on a human,” AGFC assistant chief of communications Trey Reid said. “An unprovoked attack, it’s just unheard of honestly.”
Black bear attacks are indeed uncommon nationwide, but particularly so in Arkansas, where the population of these animals has rebounded and is now believed to be made up of more than 5,000 bears.
In a state that was once referred to as “The Bear State” due to its incredible population of black bears, the animal’s recovery is a testament to the state’s Black Bear Restoration project that has since resulted in record numbers of bears being harvested over the past few seasons. The state’s black bear hunt is set to kick off on September 17th as officials remain hopeful that the victim makes a full recovery from this rare yet serious attack.
