NC Bear Found Scavenging On Remains Of Illinois Camper

NORTH CAROLINA — Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have identified the man whose remains were reportedly being scavenged by a bear as Patrick Madura, 43, of Elgin, Illinois.

Backpackers initially discovered the human remains across the creek from an unoccupied tent at a campsite at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and reported their discovery to local authorities, according to a news release from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Law enforcement rangers and wildlife officers were immediately dispatched to the scene at about 7 p.m. Friday. Rangers euthanized the bear after witnessing the animal scavenging on the man's remains, according to the news release.

The campsite was located on a section of the park's Hazel Creek Trail in North Carolina.
A cause of death is still under investigation.

Original story by Amie Schaenzer