Missouri Man Found Dead After Suspected Bear Attack

A Missouri man is dead and it's believed at this time he may have been attacked and killed by a bear at a campground in northern Arkansas.

According to the Newton County Sheriff's Office in Arkansas, this is the camping area where a Missouri man was found deceased

In a press release shared by the sheriff, they say they received a call on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from a person who requested a welfare check on their father who had not been heard from. The family said their father had sent pictures of a bear near his camp prior to his disappearance. Authorities found his campsite which had been disturbed with signs of a great struggle and also drag marks into the woods. The sheriff's office said "the body of the deceased had extensive injuries consistent with those expected from a large carnivore attack." There is now an extensive search underway for the young male bear believed to be responsible.

Sheriff Wheeler went on to say, "I don't want this to become open season on any bear that someone may see, as most bears fear humans and run away. But, at the same time, don't put yourself or others in jeopardy.

As this is an ongoing investigation, it will be updated with new details once they are released.