Elderly man in hospice care after being mauled by a bear Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAYSeptember 12, 2025 at 6:10 AM 0 A 72yearold man who was attacked by a bear in Arkansas in early September is now in hospice care following the rare encounter, according to state officials and the man's family.
- - Elderly man in hospice care after being mauled by a bear
Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAYSeptember 12, 2025 at 6:10 AM
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A 72-year-old man who was attacked by a bear in Arkansas in early September is now in hospice care following the rare encounter, according to state officials and the man's family.
Vernon Patton was critically injured in the bear attack that occurred while he was on a tractor on Wednesday, Sept. 3, in rural northwest Arkansas, Keith Stephens, spokesperson for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) said.
According to Stephens, officers found Patton suffering from major injuries, including "severe cuts and puncture wounds to his head and arms" following the mauling in Franklin County.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, Stephens told USA TODAY that Patton was clinging to life.
"He has been transferred to hospice care in Springdale, Arkansas, Stephens said via email.
Stephens said the facility is closer to Patton's home in Ozark, a city about 120 miles northwest of Little Rock.
The mauling marked the first known bear attack in Arkansas in a quarter century, according to Stephens.
Patton taken to 2 hospitals after bear attack
Patton was transported to Washington Regional in Fayetteville for surgery the day of the attack, then later moved to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center in Little Rock, Stephens said.
Patton's injuries are "extensive and ultimately not survivable," TV station KHBS reported, citing the victim's son, who witnessed the mauling.
The horrific encounter occurred as Patton was riding on a tractor near Mulberry Mountain along State Highway 23, also known as Pig Trail Scenic Byway, AGFC reported.
A witness said the bear was "in the process of attacking" Patton when his son showed up and began throwing rocks at the animal, according to The Arkansas Times.
Patton's family told KHBS in a statement that they were going through an "extraordinarily difficult time," but remained "deeply grateful for the outpouring of support."
"We ask that people show compassion and consideration as we focus on being together as a family for as long as we still can," the statement continued.
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According to the AGFC, officials learned a black bear attacked Patton as he worked with his tractor on a gravel road.
Patton's son reportedly found his father being attacked by a yearling male black bear weighing about 70 pounds.
Game wardens responded to the scene and fatally shot the animal, officials said.
A black bear walks up a hill during a vehicle-free Wednesday at Cades Cove at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on June 25, 2025.Did the bear have rabies or distemper?
Samples collected from the bear were sent to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the Arkansas Department of Health to test for distemper and rabies.
"The bear did not have rabies or distemper," Stephens told USA TODAY Thursday. He said he anticipated he'd have further results next week.
Both viruses are highly contagious and often fatal to mammals, such as dogs and raccoons, according to information from the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine and the American Veterinary Medical Association. While rabies can spread to humans, distemper does not.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elderly man moved to hospice care after bear attack in Arkansas
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