Authorities have confirmed the deaths of an 88-year-old man and his dog in what appears to be two separate bear attacks near the Florida Everglades early Monday morning.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received a call shortly after 7 a.m. local time reporting a “bear encounter” near Jerome, a small community situated about an hour southeast of Fort Myers. When responders arrived, they discovered the body of Robert Markel, a long-time resident of the area, near the scene of the attack. The body of his dog was located a few hundred yards away.
Though the cause of death is still under investigation, the attack is believed to be the first fatal bear-related incident in Florida’s recorded history, according to FWC spokesperson Jorge Reynaud. While there was a nonfatal mauling incident earlier this year, no other fatalities have been reported. “We can confirm that a bear attack occurred, but it’s still unclear whether it was the work of a single bear or multiple animals,” Reynaud stated during a press briefing.
Wildlife authorities launched a search for the bear responsible, deploying aerial drones and setting up traps in the surrounding woods. Reports indicate that officials later located and removed the body of a bear from the forest. The circumstances surrounding its death, including whether it was shot by authorities, remain unclear.
In response to the potential threat, FWC had issued warnings to locals and visitors, urging them to stay vigilant and avoid the area as investigations continued. With an estimated 4,050 Florida black bears living in the state, officials emphasized the importance of caution, particularly in areas bordering wildlife reserves.
Markel, who lived in a rural property near the Big Cypress National Preserve, is believed to have been with his dog when the attack occurred. His daughter reportedly witnessed the bear attacking the dog and called 911, prompting officials to discover Markel’s body not long after.