Overview
- The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said University of Florida forensic testing confirmed the euthanized bear’s DNA did not match evidence from victim Max Thomas.
- Thomas, 60, was found Oct. 2 at Sam’s Throne in the Ozark National Forest after sharing a photo days earlier of a bear at his campsite.
- A juvenile male bear was killed Oct. 4 based on size, markings and photographic comparisons, an identification officials initially believed likely to be correct.
- The responsible bear is presumed still at large, no bears have been trapped, only one has appeared on cameras, and public access to the campground remains closed.
- AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock said the agency is adjusting its strategy to remove the bear, as the state also investigates a separate September fatal attack involving a malnourished bear with microscopic neurological abnormalities.