The black bear attacked Vernon Patton near Mulberry Mountain on Wednesday, Sept. 3
The family of a 72-year-old man who was mauled by a bear has said he will not survive his “extensive” injuries.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) previously reported that Vernon Patton, 72, was attacked in the Mulberry Mountain area on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Patton was reportedly working on a gravel road with his tractor near Mulberry Mountain when a 70-pound juvenile black bear attacked him. His son witnessed the assault and was the one to alert authorities.
Patton was initially airlifted to Washington Regional in Fayetteville, where he underwent surgery, before being transferred to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center in Little Rock for ongoing care, according to News Nation and USA Today.
Now, Patton’s family has issued a statement saying that “his injuries are extensive and ultimately not survivable,” according to ABC affiliate KHBS.
“This has been an extraordinarily difficult time for our family,” the statement read. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support we have received. We ask that people show compassion and consideration as we focus on being together as a family for as long as we still can.”
They added, “We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical teams who are providing exceptional care and to everyone who has offered their prayers and kindness. At this time, we ask for privacy as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.”
AGFC spokesperson Keith Stephens previously said Patton was found with “severe cuts and puncture wounds to his head and arms.”
Stephens explained that the bear was “in the process of attacking” Patton when his son arrived and began throwing rocks at the animal, according to The Arkansas Times.
“It was a pretty severe attack,” Stephens said, later noting that the bear was killed following the incident.
Describing the attack to USA Today, Stephens called it “highly unusual,” adding, “there have been no documented bear attacks on humans in Arkansas in at least 25 years.”
The AGFC reported that the bear involved in the attack tested negative for rabies and distemper, according to KHBS. A necropsy has not yet been completed.
