Officials Report 3 Bears Killed Following Fatal Attack on Florida Man and Dog

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – Following the death of an 89-year-old man and his dog in Collier County, three bears have been captured and euthanized, as stated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

FWC officials said that 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog were killed after the suspected fatal bear attack.

The event took place on Monday near the crossroads of State Road 29 and U.S. 41, just to the south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, according to the FWC.

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A news release detailed that on Monday evening, FWC teams secured the location and set up several traps and cameras in the vicinity, which led to the capturing and euthanization of three bears.

“DNA samples from the scene and the three bears have been sent to Gainesville for testing, and we are awaiting those results,” FWC said in the release.

Officials ask residents and visitors to continue to remain vigilant and avoid the area as they continue their investigation.

FWC warned not approach or attempt to track wildlife. Law enforcement and FWC personnel are continuing to monitor bear activity and ensure public safety.

To learn more about bears and how to avoid conflicts with them, visit this FWC page, or click here for the BearWife program.

Please contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) if you feel threatened by a bear; observe a sick, injured, dead or orphaned bear; or to report someone who is either harming bears or intentionally feeding them.