An elderly Missouri man was showing off his bear sighting pictures and then was found dead, but what happened? Moreover, what prompted him to take these photos, and why didn’t he leave where he was amid the spotting? Keep reading for more details.
Elderly Man Shows Off Bear Pics, Soon Found Dead
Bears are becoming more mainstream than ever with the fat bear competition and more. They lurk at campsites and seem cute, but can pose a big threat. Recently, a Missouri-based elderly man saw a bear while camping near Jasper, Arkansas. He was out at a campground when he saw the larger-than-life creature and decided to snap a photo. Soon after, the man who has not been named, sent the snap to his family before he passed away just two days later. On October 2nd, the sixty-year-old male was at Sam’s Throne Campground, but had not been heard from by his kids.
Therefore, his son called the authorities to have him checked on while he was seemingly out camping still. That was when they noticed that he was not at his site any longer. A release from the deputy’s office shared this insight as to what had likely been going on:
“The campsite had been disturbed and there was evidence of a struggle and injury. There were also drag marks leading from the campground into the woods.”
This man was finally found not too far away from the site, but tragically, he had been killed. They saw evidence of a battle and a “large carnivore attack.” Furthermore, the late camper had just sent snaps of a bear prowling around his area just days before the welfare check happened.
As of now, no one will confirm that the bear was the reason the man was found dead. However, all of the evidence is pointing in that direction. So, the search is on for the bear so they can further test it for proof of an attack. Anyone who heads to the campground has been warned to be extra cautious while camping and to keep their eyes peeled.
An Uncommon Affair
This is a rare situation, but the second to happen in Arkansas recently. Those who heard about the incident had a lot to say, and they were very curious. They wanted answers as to why the bear may have killed someone at the campground:
- it’ll be interesting to see what caused the bear to behave like that ?
Finally, followers did not want the bear killed for what he had done:
- Please leave that bear alone!!!
- Why kill the bear?? They always want to kill the animal. They are just trying to survive and humans are to blame in my point of view!
At this point, that is what will likely happen if it is found, regardless of what onlookers have to say. Hopefully, some resolution can be found sooner rather than later.
Had you heard about this, and do you believe that the bear should be put down? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.