Overview
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said University of Florida forensic testing found no DNA match between the bear killed Oct. 4 and evidence from victim Max Thomas.
- Thomas, 60, of Springfield, Missouri, was discovered dead on Oct. 2 at Sam’s Throne Campground in the Ozark National Forest after a welfare check.
- Authorities had euthanized a male yearling near the site based on size, facial markings and photographs, and local officials initially expressed high confidence it was the same animal.
- AGFC reports traps and game cameras remain in place, only one bear has appeared on camera, no captures have occurred, and the campground and nearby areas stay closed for public safety.
- The episode follows a separate fatal black bear attack in September in Franklin County, an unusual clustering of rare events that has intensified focus on wildlife health and management in the Ozarks.