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arkansas Wildlife officials announced Thursday that they killed the errant black bear While investigating a lethal assault Earlier this month at the Ozark National Forest Campground.
Forensic testing confirmed that Bear Euthanasia not matched in Newton County DNA collected From Max Thomas, 60 missouri, October 2 victim attack At Sam’s Throne Campground, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission disclosed in a News release.
“While we are disappointed that the initial search did not neutralize the threat, our commitment to public safety remains paramount,” AGFC Director Doug Schonrock said in a statement.
He said, “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.”
Three days after the attack, a bear was photographed near the spot where Thomas was killed. Authorities compared it to a photo Thomas had sent of a bear at his camping site two days before his death and determined, based on size and facial markings, that it was likely the same teenage male.
Authorities were initially confident that they had killed the bear responsible.
Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said on October 5, “I am confident that this is the same bear that we have photographs of at the scene of the attack.” News releaseNoting that DNA matching would be required “to be 100 percent certain.”
Wheeler added, “It’s a relief to me and the community and I thank God for this outcome.” “It was a dangerous bear.”
Since the attack, the AGFC has monitored the area with traps and game cameras, but they say only one bear, the one they killed, has been seen on camera, and no other bears have been captured in traps.
NCSO discovered Thomas’ body on October 2 after his son reported him missing. A welfare check found signs of a struggle and signs of being dragged into the forest.
Authorities say they will continue to search for the bear responsible for the fatal attack while keeping Sam’s Throne Campground and surrounding areas closed to ensure public safety.