A man and his dog were found dead in Collier County, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed they were killed in a bear attack.
The tragic incident happened along State Road 29, just south of Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.
Robert Markel was identified as the man killed. His daughter called 911 after witnessing an attack between a bear and his dog, leading to the dog’s death. She realized her father was missing, and he was found dead shortly after.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the incidents with Markel and his dog appeared to have occurred at different times, but both were found within a few hundred yards of their home.
It remains unclear whether the same bear attacked both of them.
DNA evidence gathered at the scene is being sent to the University of Florida to confirm if a bear was indeed responsible for Markel’s death.
If confirmed, this would be the first bear-related human death in the state since data collection began.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has deployed four live bear traps in the area where the incident occurred and has several officers on the scene to ensure public safety.
Drones are also being used to search for the bear, which may still be in the area.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to investigate, and officers remain vigilant in their efforts to track down and trap the bear.
The state of Florida is home to more than 4,000 black bears.
For a list of bear encounters in the state, which dates back to 2006, visit this link.
One attack happened in Lee County in Fort Myers on July 19, 2009, and another two happened in Collier County. In Naples, the year before, and most recently, on Jan. 9, 2018, involving and adult female bear with her young.
To view the FWC Interactive Public Bear Map, click here.
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