Bear in fatal Franklin County attack tests negative for rabies, distemper

The black bear involved in a fatal attack on Vernon Patton of Franklin County has tested negative for rabies and distemper, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

AGFC spokesperson Keith Stephens said the 70-pound juvenile bear was captured and tested following the attack on Patton, 72, at Mulberry Mountain.

Patton was operating a tractor and laying gravel when the attack occurred, according to KHBS-TV (40/29). He was taken to Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville and later transferred to University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, where he died from his injuries.

Patton’s family said in a statement that his injuries were extensive and not survivable and asked for privacy as they grieve.

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