AUTHORITIES IN ARKANSAS BELIEVE A MAN'S CAMPING TRIP ENDED ABRUPTLY WHEN HE WAS FATALLY ATTACKED BY A BEAR.(PHOTO).

 Authorities in Arkansas believe a man's camping trip ended abruptly when he was fatally attacked by a bear.

Deputies in Newton County, Arkansas, received a call from the son of a 60-year-old Missouri man who was camping in the area. The victim's name has not been released at this time.

According to the son, his father was camping at Sam's Throne. The son said it had been a couple of days since he had heard from his dad despite repeated attempts. 

A deputy drove out to the campsite on Thursday, October 2nd, and discovered a disturbing scene. As he approached the campsite, he noticed the camp was in disarray. There were obvious signs a struggle had taken place; most disturbing of all, there were clear drag marks leading into the woods. 

After following the drag marks for several yards, the deputy discovered the body of the victim. The 60-year-old man had extensive injuries consistent with a bear attack.  

While investigating, detectives received images of a bear that the victim had sent to his family on Tuesday morning. Based on the images they have concluded, the bear was a young male. 

Sam's Throne campsite has been temporarily closed after the attack. Authorities in the area are asked to stay vigilant as there seems to be a young aggressive black bear in the area.

The sheriff's department is actively searching for the bear. They have teamed up with local hunters who have dogs trained to track bears.

As the search continues, officials have used this death to reiterate the importance of bear safety measures while camping. 

Our thoughts are with the victim's family.