In Florida, an 88-year-old man and his dog were killed in what authorities believe to be a bear attack. Initial reports suggest they may have been attacked by two separate bears, though this has not been confirmed. The man, a local resident, and his dog were found approximately 100 yards apart, and witnesses in the area have reported clear signs of a bear encounter. However, it remains uncertain whether the attack was carried out by a single bear or multiple bears.
The victim’s daughter is believed to have been the one who called 911 after discovering the scene.
Where the Incident Happened
The attack occurred near State Road 29 and U.S. Highway 41, close to the town of Jerome—just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, a protected conservation zone. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), this may be the first fatal bear attack recorded in this part of Florida.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office received the emergency call shortly after 7 a.m. regarding a potential bear encounter in Jerome, a rural area east of Marco Island. When deputies arrived around 8 a.m., they discovered the deceased man. The Sheriff’s Office is now working in coordination with the FWC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Victim Identified
The victim was identified as Robert Markel, age 88. Officials have issued warnings to local residents, urging them to remain vigilant. At this point, it is unclear whether the attack involved a single bear or multiple bears. Authorities believe the bear may still be in the area, which has prompted increased security measures and warnings.
Local law enforcement has advised residents to avoid going outdoors unnecessarily and to take precautions. Four bear traps have been placed near the site of the attack, and drones are being used to search the area from above.
Confirmation from Wildlife Officials
FWC spokesperson George Reynaud confirmed that the incident was indeed a bear attack. According to Reynaud, the bear first attacked the dog before moving on to Mr. Markel. The victim’s daughter placed the 911 call after discovering the aftermath of the attack.
Reynaud also noted that this is likely the first fatal bear attack in the region, although non-fatal encounters have occurred in the past.
Search and Safety Measures Ongoing
The FWC and local authorities continue to search for the bear involved. They are urging residents in the area to stay alert, avoid wooded areas, and report any sightings of bear activity immediately. While they have not yet confirmed whether only one bear was involved or if there are multiple bears roaming the area, they are taking all necessary precautions.
FWC spokesperson Tyson Matthews stated in a press briefing that, based on the region and physical evidence, the animal responsible is most likely a Florida black bear. Four bear traps have been installed near the site of the attack, and search teams with drones are actively scanning the vicinity.
Bear Attacks Are Extremely Rare in Florida
According to wildlife officials, bear attacks in Florida are very rare. Statistically, Florida sees only a small number of such incidents each year. Globally, there are typically between 20 to 30 reported bear attacks annually, most of which are not fatal. In most cases, bears attack out of self-defense or perceived threat, rather than predatory behavior.
In Florida alone, 2020 saw a spike with 15 bear attacks, but numbers dropped significantly in the years following. Wildlife experts stress that these animals typically avoid human contact and that fatal encounters like the one involving Mr. Markel are highly uncommon.
Dogs May Be a Common Trigger in Bear Attacks
Interestingly, many bear attack cases in Florida seem to involve a human accompanied by a dog. In numerous documented instances, the bear initially targets the dog, possibly perceiving it as a threat, which can then escalate to an attack on the human.
In the latest case, witnesses believe the bear may have attacked the dog first before turning on the elderly man, further supporting this pattern.
Previous Incidents in the Region
The last reported bear attack in Collier County occurred on January 9, 2018, when a black bear attacked a man in his backyard in North Naples. That victim survived, but the incident triggered local concern and a temporary increase in wildlife patrols.
Since then, there have been very few confirmed bear attacks in the region, making the latest case all the more alarming.
What Happens Next?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently leading the investigation. The team is actively working to locate and capture the bear, and if successful, the animal will be relocated to a safer and more remote area—one that poses less risk to both people and wildlife.
Authorities are also reviewing protocols and considering whether additional measures should be taken to prevent further incidents. These include installing warning signs, increasing wildlife monitoring in the area, and conducting educational outreach to teach residents how to behave safely in bear country.
