Dad Attacked by 70-Lb. Bear in Front of His Son Won’t Survive 'Extensive' Injuries, Family Says

The family of a 72-year-old man who was attacked by a bear has said he will not past his “extensive” injuries.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) antecedently said Vernon Patton, 72, was attacked successful nan Mulberry Mountain area connected Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Patton was reportedly moving connected a gravel roadworthy pinch his tractor adjacent Mulberry Mountain erstwhile a 70-pound juvenile achromatic carnivore attacked him. His boy is said to person witnessed nan onslaught and was nan 1 to alert authorities.

The man was first airlifted to Washington Regional successful Fayetteville, wherever he underwent room earlier being moved to nan University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center successful Little Rock arsenic he recovered, according to News Nation and USA Today.

Now, Patton’s family has said successful a connection that "his injuries are extended and yet not survivable,” according to ABC connection KHBS.

"This has been an extraordinarily difficult clip for our family,” nan family said successful nan statement, “and we are profoundly grateful for nan outpouring of support we person received. We inquire that group show compassion and information arsenic we attraction connected being together arsenic a family for arsenic agelong arsenic we still can.”

They added, “We besides want to widen our heartfelt acknowledgment to nan aesculapian teams who are providing exceptional attraction and to everyone who has offered their prayers and kindness. At this time, we inquire for privateness arsenic we navigate this achy travel together arsenic a family."

AGFC spokesperson Keith Stephens antecedently said Patton was recovered pinch "severe cuts and puncture wounds to his caput and arms." 

Stephens said nan carnivore was “in nan process of attacking” Patton erstwhile his boy showed up and began throwing rocks astatine nan animal, according to The Arkansas Times.

“It was a beautiful terrible attack,” Stephens said, later noting that nan carnivore was killed aft nan incident.

Stephens described nan incident to USA Today arsenic “highly unusual," adding, “there person been nary documented carnivore attacks connected humans successful Arkansas successful astatine slightest 25 years.” 

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The AGFC said nan carnivore progressive successful nan onslaught has tested antagonistic for rabies and distemper, according to KHBS. A necropsy has not been completed.