The black bear that authorities believed was responsible for a fatal mauling in the Ozarks was not the right one, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission revealed after DNA testing.

Officials investigating the death of Missouri camper Max Thomas admitted they killed the wrong bear, leaving the real threat to public safety still on the loose, as the Washington Times reports.

Max Thomas, 60, went missing in late September after a solo camping trip to the Sam’s Throne Campground, a remote site located in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Concerned family members reported his disappearance after he failed to return home. Searchers later discovered Thomas’s body near his campsite—autopsy results confirmed he had been killed in a bear attack.

The Oct. 4 incident marked a rare and alarming tragedy in the state, where bear-human conflicts remain extremely uncommon. Following the autopsy confirmation, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife officers began urgently combing through the forest. Officials focused their attention on one bear spotted in the area that matched photographic descriptions and physical traits.

That bear was subsequently euthanized based on what authorities at the time described as "credible visual and biological evidence." Its size, markings, and presence near the attack site seemed to make it a likely suspect. The bear’s remains were sent for DNA testing to cross-reference with material taken from Thomas's wounds and campsite.

DNA results reveal painful misjudgment

Nearly three weeks later, forensic results delivered a stark reversal: the bear that had been euthanized was not genetically connected to the attacker. This meant the animal responsible for the fatal mauling remained unidentified and potentially nearby.

In a written statement, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Doug Schoenrock addressed the unsettling update. “While we are disappointed that the initial search did not neutralize the threat, our commitment to public safety remains paramount,” he said. “We acted decisively based on the best evidence available at the time, and now that we have definitive forensic data, we are adjusting our strategy.”

Schoenrock emphasized that field teams have not stopped searching the area since the attack. These crews continue to monitor the terrain with trail cameras and baited traps near the closed campground. So far, no new animals have been captured, and only one bear has been seen on camera since Thomas’s remains were found.

Community grieves, authorities press on

Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler echoed the emotions many in the community are feeling. “It’s disappointing to learn that we haven’t gotten the right bear,” Wheeler said, “both due to public safety concerns and for another step towards closure for a grieving family.”

The sheriff added that, given the same evidence, he would have authorized the bear’s removal again. “Having said that, I would do the same thing all over again if we felt we had the correct bear,” Wheeler said. “Human life still takes precedence.”

The uncertainty has deepened anxiety among those who live near or enjoy visiting the national forest, particularly with outdoor recreation peaking during the fall season. The Sam’s Throne Campground remains closed indefinitely, with authorities asking the public to avoid the area until the investigation concludes.

Increased resources deployed

Efforts by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office have included deploying scent trackers, increasing aerial drone monitoring, and working with bear biologists to map likely animal behavior patterns. Yet, the dense forested landscape has made the task profoundly challenging.

The decision to put down the wrong bear has triggered calls for transparency and improved field protocols when wildlife is suspected in human fatalities. Wildlife experts stress how difficult it can be to positively identify a specific bear in a large habitat without DNA confirmation.

Officials acknowledge the delicate balance between protecting public safety and ensuring animal welfare when decisions must be made in the field without definitive lab results. The depth of that challenge has now come into sharper focus for Arkansas authorities.

Lessons to learn

1. Don’t camp alone in remote wildlife areas. While venturing solo can offer peace and solitude, emergency response is significantly delayed if no one else is present to witness or report a situation. Always let someone know your exact location and timeline before going off-grid.

2. Understand the risks even in rare scenarios. Bear attacks in Arkansas are uncommon, but not impossible. Campers should always secure food away from sleeping areas, remain aware of wildlife reports in the region, and follow all posted safety notices at park entrances and trails.

3. Public safety decisions may have consequences. While no one wants harm to come to wildlife, sometimes fast action must be taken when human lives are at risk. However, this case highlights the importance of forensic science in confirming threats. Still, as this case further proves, even with precautions, tragedies can happen. We must never place blame on victims who simply go out expecting a safe journey.

Why this story matters

This story underscores the complexities of wildlife management and the high stakes involved when public safety collides with conservation.

It also reveals how even well-meaning officials can make mistakes with lasting consequences.

The public has a right to understand the challenges faced during such investigations and how policies may be improved moving forward.