Man's death in Arkansas campground suspected to be bear attack

A man's death at an Arkansas campground is being investigated as a bear attack.

The Newton County coroner ruled that the Missouri man died from mauling by a large carnivore. He was found Thursday by a sheriff's deputy after the man's family said they hadn't heard from him in a few days.

The family also told investigators that the man sent them pictures of a bear in his camp on Tuesday morning. Based on the photos the man sent, the bear appeared to be a young male. 

When a deputy arrived at the campground, he found the man’s truck and campsite. The campsite had been disturbed, with evidence of a struggle. There were also drag marks leading from the campground into the woods. The 60-year-old man's identity hasn't been released.

Efforts are underway to find the bear with the help of local hunters and dogs. 

The U.S. Forest Service has temporarily closed Sam’s Throne Campground for the safety of the public.