Authorities in Florida are currently investigating a suspected bear attack that resulted in the deaths of a man and his dog in the southwestern part of the state. The tragic incident occurred near the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area in Collier County, as reported by local media and official sources on Monday.
The attack took place around the intersection of State Road 29 and U.S. 41, just south of the protected area and near the small community of Jerome. NBC Miami reported that the identity of the deceased remains undisclosed at this time.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has classified the event as a fatal wildlife attack, with evidence pointing towards the involvement of a black bear. Authorities are continuing their search for the animal, which is believed to still be in the vicinity. The FWC issued a statement urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant, avoid the area, and refrain from approaching or tracking wild animals.
Although such attacks are exceedingly rare, officials emphasize that encounters between humans and bears can quickly escalate if safety guidelines are not followed. According to the FWC, the black bear is the only bear species found in Florida, with an estimated population of around 4,050 spread across the state. Human-bear encounters have become more common in recent decades, primarily due to urban expansion into the bears' natural habitats.
Despite this, the presence of a bear does not inherently pose a threat, and attacks on humans are extremely uncommon. Preventing incidents involves keeping wildlife away from human food sources such as garbage, pet food, or bird feeders.
Emergency Call Leads to Tragic Discovery
The Collier County Sheriff's Office received an emergency call at 7:07 a.m. on Monday, reporting a suspected bear attack at a property located at 22777 State Road 29 in Jerome, a small locality southeast of Naples. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the lifeless bodies of the man and his dog, both bearing wounds indicative of a brutal attack, as reported by the Naples Daily News.
While the victim's identity has not been released, the FWC confirmed that the deceased was an elderly man and that the attack occurred within his residential property. Following the discovery, the organization deployed traps in the area in an effort to capture the bear, believed to still be nearby. The agency also advised residents against attempting to track the animal and to exercise extreme caution.
This incident marks the second documented black bear attack in Florida in 2025. The first occurred in Silver Springs on February 15, under similar circumstances. The FWC noted that although these animals are neither territorial nor typically aggressive towards humans, they may react defensively if startled or if food is present.
Residents are advised to secure trash, keep pet food indoors, and avoid situations that could attract bears to residential areas. Jerome, the location of the attack, is a rural area near protected zones with a high concentration of wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Bear Encounters in Florida
How common are bear attacks in Florida?
Bear attacks in Florida are extremely rare. The state has documented only a few incidents over the years, as bears typically avoid human interaction.
What should residents do if they encounter a bear?
Residents should remain calm, avoid direct eye contact, and slowly back away. It's crucial not to run and to secure food sources to prevent attracting bears.
What measures are being taken to prevent future attacks?
The FWC is setting traps to capture the bear involved in the recent attack and is advising residents on securing potential food sources to reduce bear encounters.