A 72-year-old man from Arkansas, Vernon Patton, has been hospitalized with severe injuries after being mauled by a 70-pound bear in the Mulberry Mountain area of Franklin County. This incident marks the first documented bear attack on a human in the state in at least 25 years, raising concerns about wildlife safety and the management of bears in the region.
Patton was working outside when the bear attacked him. He was airlifted to the hospital and underwent surgery at the Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville before being transferred to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission spokesperson, Keith Stephens, confirmed that the bear was euthanized following the attack, emphasizing the unusual nature of the incident, as there have been no documented bear attacks on humans in Arkansas in at least 25 years.
Stephens described the attack as “a pretty severe one” with the bear targeting Patton’s face, arms, and upper body. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for increased awareness and protective measures for residents living in areas frequented by bears. Officials noted that while such incidents are rare, the presence of bears in populated regions highlights the importance of responsible wildlife management and public safety protocols.
Patton’s son arrived at the scene and attempted to deter the bear by throwing rocks, which caused the animal to charge at him before fleeing. The attack has led to increased local attention on bear activity and the potential impact on human safety in Arkansas. While no financial implications have been reported from this incident, it has raised questions about the balance between wildlife conservation and human habitation in natural habitats.