72-year-old mauled by bear in front of son won’t survive injuries, AR family says

A 72-year-old Arkansas grandfather attacked by a black bear in front of his son has injuries considered unsurvivable, the victim’s family said.

The victim, identified in media reports as Vernon Patton, was working with his tractor Sept. 3 in Franklin County when the 70-pound bear began attacking him for unknown reasons, McClatchy News reported.

Patton suffered injuries to his face, arms and upper body in what Arkansas Game and Fish Commission chief of communications Keith Stephens called a “pretty severe attack,” according to the Arkansas Times.

“Our beloved father, grandfather, husband and hero, Vernon Patton, was seriously injured in a bear attack while he was doing what he loved, working on his land with his family,” according to a Sept. 8 statement provided to KHBS. “Vernon is currently being cared for in the ICU in Little Rock. While he remains in stable condition, his injuries are extensive and ultimately not survivable.”

Family told KNWA that Patton was moved to hospice care when his condition worsened.

The bear also charged at Patton’s son before it ran away, Stephens told the Arkansas Times.

Game wardens were called to the area, where they killed the bear, McClatchy News reported.

Tests revealed the bear did not have rabies or distemper, according to KFSM.

“It’s just so unusual to have them attack (a) human being,” Stephens told KFSM. “They’re afraid of us as much as anything. It just doesn’t happen. It’s so rare, and that’s why we think there may be something that maybe we could find out when we continue with the necropsy.”

Officials said the mauling was so rare that it is believed to be the first documented bear attack in Arkansas in more than 25 years.

Despite how infrequent attacks are, black bears are abundant in the state, with more than 5,000 throughout Arkansas.

Franklin County is about a 70-mile drive southeast of Fayetteville.

What to do if you see a bear

Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.

There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.

Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.

Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.

Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.

Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.

Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.

Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.

Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.

Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.

Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.

Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.

This story was originally published September 9, 2025 at 9:01 AM with the headline "72-year-old mauled by bear in front of son won’t survive injuries, AR family says."