Prior to the last few weeks, it had been at least a decade since any bear attack had been reported in Arkansas. Recently, however, two people have been killed by bears in ‘The Natural State,’ with another night-long encounter sure to raise the neck hairs of outdoor recreators.

The state’s first fatal attack since at least 2006 took place on September 3, involving a 72-year-old male who was attacked by a young bear while operating a tractor. A second fatal attack followed on October 2, with a 60-year-old male killed in the area of his Sam’s Throne campsite.

Per an October 6 update from Ozark Highlands Trail Association, another attack has occurred – and while this attack was non-lethal, the situation indeed sounds terrifying.

According to the organization’s report, two backpacking campers traveling the Ozark Highlands Trail were attacked in the area of Salt Fork Creek last weekend. While neither camper was killed, the campers ended up having to defend themselves from an aggressive bear over the course of an entire night in a situation that sounds like the plot from a horror movie.

A report from the Idaho Statesman indicates that the duo were harassed and stalked by the bear for about six hours, having to throw rocks and sticks in the direction of the bear to keep it at bay. Eventually, morning sun arrived and the hikers were able to walk to nearby White Rock Mountain and report the situation to caretakers of the area.

Thankfully, this situation didn’t bring the same tragic end that the two prior bear encounters did, though it does highlight how crucial it is to know what to do if a predator is lurking in the forest.

In the case of an aggressive black bear, it’s important not to panic. Don’t run or scream, but instead talk to the bear loudly with a firm and low tone, slowly walking away from the area. Attempt to make yourself look as big as possible. Throwing items in the direction of the bear can be effective in scaring the bear off, but don’t crouch down to pick items up. Bear spray can also be effective as a means of scaring a bear off, but make sure it’s easy to access and that you know how to use it.

It’s also important for campers to keep their site clean and to store scented items in a bear box. Generally, if a bear enters an occupied campsite, it’s in search of food and has likely been drawn to the area by its nose.

The only native bear species in Arkansas is the American black bear, and while this species tends to avoid human interaction, aggressive encounters can occur and are generally associated with a hungry bear or one that’s being protective of its young.

The potential for an encounter with a predator is a reality of outdoor recreation. Stay alert and be prepared any time you’re entering a wild habitat.