Rattlesnake bite kills ‘beloved’ black bear at Arkansas wildlife refuge, officials say
Koda, a 16-year-old male black bear living at a Arkansas wildlife refuge, has died after being bitten by a rattlesnake.
“It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of one of our beloved bears,” the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge said in a Facebook post Wednesday.
“Our veterinarian and team did everything they could to help Koda but could not save him.”
Koda died young for a black bear. While most won’t make it into their 20s in the wild, black bears can live well into their 30s, according to the National Wildlife Federation, and even longer in captivity.
Koda, who not only was beloved but also “handsome,” was rescued from private owners by Turpentine Creek in 2004, when he was 5 months old.
“A couple had purchased him as a pet but quickly realized bears make bad pets,” according to the refuge.
Koda became well known and loved at the refuge, to staff and visitors alike.
Hundreds shared their sympathies with the refuge, some feeling sad themselves, recalling a time recently, or years ago, when they met Koda.
“I literally bawled reading this. So many fond memories watching him with my kiddos,” one commenter wrote.
“Goodbye Koda...thank you for the smiles. Pleasure to meet you,” another said.
As to how the bear got bit, Turpentine Creek staff has a good idea.
“One must have slithered into his habitat. We give them big, beautiful, natural habitats and small animals can get in and out,” the refuge explained. “We can’t stop it, we treat for ticks and fleas but there really isn’t a treatment for snakes.”
