What is up with Arkansas bears?

[Quillback]

Another attack.  Fortunately no injuries.

Trail association in Franklin County says 2 backpackers survived bear attack

[ness]

2 hours ago, Quillback said:

Another attack.  Fortunately no injuries.

Trail association in Franklin County says 2 backpackers survived bear attack

That "had to defend themselves the entire night" sounds especially tough. 

[ollie]

Basic same area as the other two attacks as well. It does make me wonder if they have been fed by humans or if they were just used to having people food available as a source when they were smaller cubs.

[Quillback]

40 minutes ago, ness said:

That "had to defend themselves the entire night" sounds especially tough. 

Sounds kind of weird doesn't it?  

[Johnsfolly]

2 hours ago, ollie said:

Basic same area as the other two attacks as well. It does make me wonder if they have been fed by humans or if they were just used to having people food available as a source when they were smaller cubs.

The quote is "A fed bear is a dead bear!" In the Poconos there are lots of bear encounters but none that I am aware of that resulted in someone being attacked and mauled to death. They ruled out rabies and distemper for the one bear (I didn't read the other victim report 🙄). Seems like there is more going on with these attacks.

[fishinwrench]

There's a good reason why folks in this region eliminated all the bears, and we've been perfectly happy ever since we did. 🤷‍♂️

If we could effectively eliminate ticks & chiggers would there be some group of idiots wanting them "re-established" someday ?   

Probably 🙄 

[BilletHead]

Japan,

https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/08/asia/japan-bear-supermarket-attac-intl-hnk

    Tinfoil hats anyone? 

  Bears are becoming terrorists. 😆

[jdmidwest]

Am I the only one who carries a gun in the wilds?

Missouri and Arkansas are free carry states, concealed or open.  Bears, dogs, crazy crack heads.  Carry a firearm.

[WestCentralFisher]

22 hours ago, Quillback said:

Another attack.  Fortunately no injuries.

Trail association in Franklin County says 2 backpackers survived bear attack

I know out west, winter approaching +relative lack of food is usually a bad combination. With the drought probably making some food supplies less available, that could explain some of it. 

[slabseeker]

11 hours ago, jdmidwest said:

Missouri and Arkansas are free carry states, concealed or open.  Bears, dogs, crazy crack heads.  Carry a firearm.

Agree completely...Won't leave home without it. That "completely random" attack by that nut on that couple while hiking at Devil's Den was the last straw for me.