Arkansas – A 72-year-old man suffered severe injuries after being mauled by a 70-pound bear in Arkansas, an incident considered highly unusual given the rarity of bear attacks in the state. Vernon Patton was airlifted to a hospital following the attack, which left him in critical condition before stabilizing after surgery.
This attack marks the first known bear mauling in Arkansas in decades, with state officials noting such events have been virtually unheard of in recent history.
A Rare and Severe Bear Attack in Arkansas
The attack occurred while Vernon Patton was working outside in the Mulberry Mountain area of Franklin County. According to Keith Stephens, spokesperson for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the 70-pound bear severely mauled Patton, targeting his face, arms, and upper body.
“His injuries were extensive. It was a pretty severe attack. It attacked him on his face, his arms, his upper body,” Stephens told Fox News Digital.
Patton was immediately airlifted to the Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville and later transferred to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He is currently in stable condition but remains hospitalized as he continues to recover.
Historical Context and Unprecedented Nature of the Incident
This incident is considered extraordinary as it is reportedly the first documented bear attack on a human in Arkansas in at least 25 years. Stephens noted that the last known attack might date back as far as the 19th century.
“This incident is highly unusual, as there have been no documented bear attacks on humans in Arkansas in at least 25 years,” Stephens said.
Such rarity highlights both the danger and the unexpected nature of the event, drawing attention to the presence of bears in Arkansas’s wilderness areas, despite the limited history of aggressive encounters with humans.
Son’s Intervention and Bear’s Fate
During the attack, Vernon Patton’s son arrived on the scene and intervened by throwing rocks at the bear, which caused the animal to charge at him once before fleeing.
“It actually kind of charged at [Patton’s son] one time before running away,” Stephens explained.
Following the attack, authorities euthanized the bear to prevent any future incidents, with Stephens emphasizing the necessity of this action.
“If we have an animal that attacked a human being, you’ve got to put it down. You can’t have that happening again,” Stephens stated.
Key Facts About the Attack
- Victim: Vernon Patton, 72 years old
- Location: Mulberry Mountain area, Franklin County, Arkansas
- Bear weight: Approximately 70 pounds
- Medical treatment: Airlifted and treated at Washington Regional Medical Center and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Bear euthanized following the attack
- Historical significance: First bear attack in Arkansas in over 25 years, possibly since the 19th century
What This Means for Arkansas Residents
This unexpected attack raises awareness about human interactions with wildlife in Arkansas, especially in remote or forested areas where bears may be present. It is a reminder for residents and visitors to exercise caution when outdoors and to be prepared for possible encounters with wildlife.
Important recommendations include:
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings in bear habitats
- Keep a safe distance from any wildlife you may encounter
- Avoid surprising or approaching bears
- Make noise to alert bears of your presence when hiking or working outdoors
- Know the proper steps to take if a bear encounter occurs
Understanding wildlife behavior and respecting their territories can aid in preventing future incidents.
Share Your Thoughts and Experiences
What do you think about this rare bear attack in Arkansas? Have you ever encountered wildlife unexpectedly while outdoors? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
