Autopsy confirms animal mauling in Newton County death; species still unconfirmed

The Arkansas State Crime Lab has confirmed that a man found dead Thursday at Sam’s Throne Campground in Newton County was killed by an animal, though investigators have not yet identified the species involved.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said Friday it has been working with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies since being called to assist in what was initially suspected to be a bear attack. Evidence collected at the scene will be sent to an independent laboratory to determine what kind of animal was responsible.

Game wardens and wildlife staff have remained on site, monitoring the area with game cameras and setting traps in hopes of capturing any bears nearby. Attempts by dog handlers to track an animal from the campsite were unsuccessful, the agency said.

Sam’s Throne Campground, located off Arkansas Highway 123 near Mt. Judea, remains temporarily closed to give investigators the best chance of catching the animal believed to be involved.

Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said Thursday that the 60-year-old Missouri man was found several yards from his disturbed campsite with injuries consistent with a large carnivore attack. The man’s family reported he had recently sent photos showing a bear in his campsite.

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