Bear attacks man near road in Franklin County

A bear attacked a man in his 70s in Franklin County, Arkansas, on Wednesday afternoon while he was repairing a tractor by a gravel road. The man's son witnessed the attack and called for emergency assistance. Paramedics transported the injured man to Washington Regional Medical Center for treatment. Game wardens killed the bear following the incident, intending to study it because bear attacks are exceedingly rare in the region. This marks the first bear attack on a human in 25 years, raising concerns about wildlife encounters.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has urged the public to follow safety guidelines when in bear territory, including remaining calm and avoiding female bears with cubs. The National Park Service recommends traveling in groups to deter bears and provides instructions on how to react during an attack. Following these guidelines can help reduce the chance of dangerous wildlife encounters.