The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is investigating two recent attacks by black bears. (Photo courtesy of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission)
When a black bear attacked a man in Franklin County on Sept. 3, it seemed like a one-off tragedy. But a second fatal attack in Newton County, just four weeks later and about 80 miles west, has raised questions about whether the fatal attacks — the first in more than a century — are more than a coincidence.
Both attacks involved young, male black bears, who assaulted the victims apparently unprovoked. Testing revealed the bear involved in the first attack was malnourished and “ not functioning normally,” according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Spokesperson Keith Stevens said the AGFC is still waiting on test results for the bear involved in the second attack, but initial findings indicate the bear was “extremely healthy” with a belly full of natural foods…