Florida wildlife officials are investigating a possible fatal bear attack in Florida that left an elderly man and his dog dead. The incident occurred early Monday, May 5, in a rural part of Collier County near Everglades City.
At approximately 7:07 a.m., the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a distress call. According to local news reports, Robert Markel, 89, and his dog were both found dead on his remote property.
Markel’s daughter placed the emergency call after witnessing a bear attack and kill her father’s dog. Responders located Markel’s body a few hundred yards from where the dog was found. Officials believe the attack may have taken place hours before authorities arrived.
Investigators are now treating this as a possible fatal bear attack in Florida, a tragic event that could be the first confirmed fatality of its kind in the state’s history. Wildlife officers are actively working to confirm whether a black bear caused Markel’s death.
“We continue to secure the area,” said FWC Officer George Reynaud. “Residents should stay alert and avoid the region for now,” he added.
To search the scene thoroughly, FWC deployed drones and boots on the ground. Four live bear traps were also set up around the area to capture any bear that may still be nearby.
Later that evening, at around 9 p.m., witnesses heard several loud popping sounds. Officials then removed a dead bear from the woods, according to the Naples Daily News. The bear’s body will be transported to Gainesville for DNA testing.
Reynaud offered condolences to Markel’s family and friends. “This is a deeply tragic situation,” he said. “We are doing everything possible to determine what happened.”
If DNA confirms that the bear killed Markel, this would be the first deadly bear attack ever recorded in Florida. This also marks the second serious bear incident in the state in 2025.
The FWC and Collier County Sheriff’s Office have yet to release additional information. However, wildlife officials continue to monitor the area closely and urge residents to report any bear sightings.
As authorities await test results, the investigation into this possible fatal bear attack in Florida remains active. Community members are encouraged to follow safety advisories and stay informed.
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