Cause of death at Sam’s Throne Campground determined animal mauling

MT. JUDEA — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has been notified that the Arkansas State Crime Lab has determined that a death near Sam’s Throne Campground on Arkansas Highway 123 in Newton County was the result of an animal mauling.

The AGFC has been working with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies since being called Thursday afternoon to assist in the investigation of a suspected bear attack. Evidence collected during the investigation will be sent to an independent laboratory to attempt to confirm the species involved in the attack.

Game wardens have been on site throughout the investigation, and have helped secure the scene. AGFC Wildlife Management Division staff also have assisted with the investigation by monitoring the campsite and nearby campsites with game cameras and placing traps in an attempt to capture any bears in the immediate vicinity of the suspected attack. Attempts by dog handlers were unsuccessful in tracking any animal from the site of the attack.

Sam’s Throne Campground is temporarily closed to increase the chances of catching the animal involved in the attack.

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