Son finds his dad being attacked by 70-pound black bear, Arkansas officials say

A man was attacked by a bear in a rare encounter witnessed by the victim’s son, Arkansas officials say.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said the man, in his 70s, was working with his tractor Sept. 3 when a small bear began attacking him for unknown reasons.

Game wardens were dispatched to the Mulberry Mountain area of Franklin County when the man’s son noticed the attack, officials said.

The bear, considered small at about 70 pounds, was killed by game wardens, according to the game and fish commission.

Officials said the man was flown to a Fayetteville hospital, where his condition is unknown.

The incident is believed to be the first documented bear attack in Arkansas in more than 25 years.

In an interview with KFSM, Trey Reid, with the game and fish commission, called the attack “unusual.” The bear will be tested for rabies and distemper.

“An unprovoked attack, you know, it’s like, it’s just unheard of, honestly,” Reid told the station.

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.