At least 10 people reported seeing black bears in Fort Smith over the weekend, prompting the police department to urge residents to use caution. The police department reminded residents to never approach, feed, or attempt to interact with bears or other wildlife, as they can become dangerous if they feel threatened or are protecting their young.
Staying Safe Around Bears
The National Park Service has compiled tips on staying safe around bears. Most bears want to avoid humans, so if one spots you, stay calm, stand your ground, and slowly wave your arms. Traveling in groups of people can also help, as bears are more likely to hear and smell groups of people and will likely try to avoid your immediate area.
A mother bear is much more likely to attack if a person is around her cubs, so never try to approach bear cubs. If you are attacked by a black bear, do not try to play dead. Instead, try to run into a car or a building, or fight back by hitting the bear in the face and muzzle.
Recent deadly bear attacks in Arkansas have highlighted the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings when outdoors. In September 2025, a juvenile black bear attacked Vernon Patton, the founder of Mulberry Mountain in Franklin County, while he was spreading gravel on his tractor. Another fatal attack occurred in October 2025 in Newton County, where a 60-year-old man was found dead at Sam’s Throne Campground in the Ozark National Forest.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
