In southwest Florida, wildlife officers took action by euthanizing three black bears after a deadly attack claimed the life of an 89-year-old man and his dog, authorities reported on Tuesday. NBC Miami disclosed that the incident took place in a rural area east of Naples, just south of the Big Cypress wildlife management area.
The victim, identified as Robert Markel, was attacked near his home in the early hours of Monday morning. In response, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) swiftly launched an operation, setting up cameras and traps overnight in the area. Subsequently, three black bears were put down, as highlighted in the news report.
Officials mentioned that DNA samples from the animals, along with those collected at the attack site, have been sent to a Gainesville lab to determine if any of the bears were directly involved in the incident. "As a precaution, we urge the public to avoid the area and remain vigilant," stated the commission in an official release.
Although Florida black bears were previously protected as a threatened species, their population has surged in recent years, leading to increased sightings in residential and private properties, particularly in the rural northern and central parts of the state. Authorities have yet to confirm if any of the euthanized bears were directly responsible for the attack, but emphasized that the decision was made to safeguard the local community as investigations continue.
Insights from 911 Calls and Police Report
Additional details about the attack emerged from local outlet Fox 4 News, revealing the grim circumstances surrounding Robert Markel's tragic death. In 911 calls, the victim's granddaughter recounted that the bear killed the family dog right outside their home before she went out to search for her grandfather.
Upon reaching Markel's trailer, she found it in ruins and her grandfather missing. "His trailer is completely destroyed... he’s not there. He's 89, he can't run, he can barely walk without falling," she said in the call. Moments later, officers discovered blood-stained clothing about 20 meters from the trailer in the nearby woods. Later, they found Markel's lifeless body approximately 100 meters from his home, covered with soil and leaves, according to the Collier County Sheriff's report.
In another 911 call, a relative noted the frequent presence of bears in the area, stating, "There are like 40 bears here. They come and go every day... and now they decide to kill a dog and take someone," expressed the visibly distressed caller.
The FWC stated that the case remains under investigation, and while three bears have already been euthanized in the area, efforts will continue until the responsible bear is conclusively identified through genetic testing.
Understanding the Bear Attack in Florida
What prompted the euthanization of the bears?
The bears were euthanized following a fatal attack on an 89-year-old man and his dog in southwest Florida, as a precautionary measure to protect public safety while investigations are underway.
Where did the bear attack occur?
The attack took place in a rural area east of Naples, Florida, near the Big Cypress wildlife management area.
How is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission involved?
The FWC responded to the incident by setting up cameras and traps in the area and collecting DNA samples to determine if the euthanized bears were involved in the attack.