McAlester Woman Severely Injured in Mysterious Animal Attack

Authorities call in wildlife experts to identify the culprit behind the brutal mauling.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a torn piece of fabric or other physical evidence from the crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or identifying details.Authorities analyze evidence from the brutal animal attack that left a McAlester woman critically injured, hoping to uncover clues about the mysterious assailant.McAlester Today

A 38-year-old woman from McAlester, Oklahoma was severely injured in a violent animal attack on Sunday morning in a remote yard near her home. Alicia Maxey was found by a nearby homeowner, an EMT, who immediately began lifesaving measures before she was airlifted to a Tulsa hospital in critical condition. Investigators say the scale and nature of Maxey's injuries are unlike anything they've seen, leaving them puzzled about the identity of the animal responsible.

Why it matters

Animal attacks on humans are relatively rare in this region, so the mystery surrounding the identity of the creature that mauled Maxey has the local community on edge. Authorities are working quickly to determine if the animal was a wild predator like a bear or mountain lion, or potentially a domestic dog, in order to assess any ongoing public safety risks.

The details

According to Pittsburg County Sheriff Frankie McClendon, the injuries sustained by Maxey are the worst he's seen from a wild animal attack in his 38-year career. Evidence, including the victim's torn clothing, has been sent to a lab for DNA testing to try to identify the species. Maxey told authorities and family members that she remembers hearing a deep growl before the animal pounced on her, knocking her to the ground and immediately attacking. She has already undergone four surgeries and is still too injured to provide more details about the incident.

  • The attack occurred on Sunday morning, April 6, 2026.
  • Maxey was found about an hour after the initial attack by a nearby homeowner who was an EMT.

The players

Alicia Maxey

A 38-year-old woman from McAlester, Oklahoma who was the victim of a brutal animal attack in a remote yard near her home.

Frankie McClendon

The Pittsburg County Sheriff who has over 38 years of experience and has never seen an animal attack as severe as the one that injured Maxey.

Oklahoma Wildlife Services

The state wildlife agency that is working with local authorities to help identify the animal responsible for the attack on Maxey.

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What they’re saying

“In 38 years I had never been involved or seen anything to this extent as far as injuries caused by a wild animal.”

— Frankie McClendon, Pittsburg County Sheriff

What’s next

Authorities are waiting on DNA test results to determine the species of animal involved in the attack. They will also continue working with wildlife experts to assess any ongoing public safety risks and determine the appropriate next steps.

The takeaway

This brutal animal attack has left the McAlester community shaken and searching for answers. The severity of Maxey's injuries and the mystery surrounding the identity of the attacker have raised concerns about public safety and the need for greater coordination between local law enforcement and wildlife agencies to address rare but serious incidents like this.