A father and son hiking near Spirit Creek in Franklin County say they had a close encounter with a black bear over the weekend, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Both are safe, but wildlife officials say the incident is an important reminder of how to react if you ever find yourself face-to-face with a bear.According to the AGFC, the pair had set up camp near the creek Saturday evening when they spotted a young black bear across the water around 8 p.m. They followed safety protocols, making loud noises, shining a flashlight, and throwing rocks, prompting the bear to run off. But a couple of hours later, the bear returned.“They had two fairly quick encounters,” said Keith Stephens, a spokesperson for AGFC. “I’ve seen some things online where it said they were fighting the bear off all night — that’s way blown out of proportion. That just didn’t happen.”Stephens said bear encounters like this aren’t unusual in that part of the state.“That’s probably the most populated area of the state,” he said. “In that north-central Arkansas area, that’s where we have our greatest bear population. We have between 5,000 and 6,000 statewide.”Officials said the hikers did everything right: staying calm, making noise, and keeping their food secured away from their tent. Stephens said that’s the best approach if a bear comes too close.“Use pots and pans to scare them away,” he said. “You can carry bear spray if you like. Make sure you get in front of them and startle them.”Stephens said recent encounters in Franklin and Newton counties have fueled rumors about more aggressive bear behavior, but there’s no evidence to support that. He added that young bears are particularly active this time of year as they search for easy food before winter.“Right now, those yearlings have been pushed out of the den by their mom, and they’re trying to fatten up for the winter,” Stephens said. “So don’t feed them. Once they lose that fear of humans, that’s when we start having problems.”He said anyone planning to hike or camp in the area should remember that this is bear country and always be prepared.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ark. —

A father and son hiking near Spirit Creek in Franklin County say they had a close encounter with a black bear over the weekend, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Both are safe, but wildlife officials say the incident is an important reminder of how to react if you ever find yourself face-to-face with a bear.

According to the AGFC, the pair had set up camp near the creek Saturday evening when they spotted a young black bear across the water around 8 p.m. They followed safety protocols, making loud noises, shining a flashlight, and throwing rocks, prompting the bear to run off. But a couple of hours later, the bear returned.

“They had two fairly quick encounters,” said Keith Stephens, a spokesperson for AGFC. “I’ve seen some things online where it said they were fighting the bear off all night — that’s way blown out of proportion. That just didn’t happen.”

Stephens said bear encounters like this aren’t unusual in that part of the state.

“That’s probably the most populated area of the state,” he said. “In that north-central Arkansas area, that’s where we have our greatest bear population. We have between 5,000 and 6,000 statewide.”

Officials said the hikers did everything right: staying calm, making noise, and keeping their food secured away from their tent. Stephens said that’s the best approach if a bear comes too close.

“Use pots and pans to scare them away,” he said. “You can carry bear spray if you like. Make sure you get in front of them and startle them.”

Stephens said recent encounters in Franklin and Newton counties have fueled rumors about more aggressive bear behavior, but there’s no evidence to support that. He added that young bears are particularly active this time of year as they search for easy food before winter.

“Right now, those yearlings have been pushed out of the den by their mom, and they’re trying to fatten up for the winter,” Stephens said. “So don’t feed them. Once they lose that fear of humans, that’s when we start having problems.”

He said anyone planning to hike or camp in the area should remember that this is bear country and always be prepared.