Bear Found Scavenging Remains Of Elgin Man Found In North Carolina Campsite
RALEIGH, N.C. (CBS/AP) -- Officials have identified an Elgin man whose remains were found scattered near a campsite in the North Carolina portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a bear lurked nearby.
News outlets report the remains belonged to 43-year-old Patrick Madura.
Rangers say his remains were found near Hazel Creek Trail after backpackers discovered an unoccupied tent on Friday and saw the remains "with a bear scavenging in the area."
Rangers who responded to the call say they also saw a bear "actively scavenging on the remains" and euthanized the animal. It is not clear if the bear attacked Madura or if he was already dead when the bear found his body.
Black bears inhabit all elevations of the national park, with an estimated 1,500 bears living there.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)