Investigators shared how they connected the animal to the first deadly bear attack in state history.
JEROME, Fla. — Wildlife authorities in Florida have successfully tracked down and euthanized the black bear believed to have been involved in the state’s first fatal bear attack.
Robert Markel, aged 89, was discovered deceased approximately 100 yards from his residence in Jerome, Florida. His injuries suggested a physical altercation with a bear, as reported by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
A dog was found dead near Markel’s body. Investigators also said there were signs that a bear had entered Markel’s home.
In response to the tragic incident, FWC initiated a search for the bear responsible. Between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, the agency managed to capture and euthanize three adult male black bears weighing 207, 263, and 434 pounds, respectively.
Wildlife officials say they do not take lightly the decision to kill an animal. In this case, FWC said its policies required “lethal removal” of the bear.
The three bears captured were sent to laboratories in Gainesville for testing. Investigators said the 263-pound bear’s body contained the partial remains of Markel.
“DNA results received on Friday, May 9, positively identified that the 263-pound male’s DNA was present on Markel, inside his residence and on the dog’s body,” the agency wrote.
The Jerome community is within the FWC’s South Bear Management Unit, which has the third-largest population of bears in Florida, estimated at 1,044 in 2015.
While this is the first deadly black bear attack on record in Florida, the FWC says it has documented 42 prior incidents where wild black bears have made physical contact with people since the 1970s.
Of those incidents, three resulted in serious injuries that required medical attention. Most often, these encounters have happened when there were bear cubs, food sources, or dogs present.
“We want to thank the family for their cooperation as they navigate this challenging time, and our thoughts remain with them,” FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said. “I am proud of our staff’s professional response and support for the family as they faced an unfathomable event this week.”
You can find more information about what to do if you encounter a bear on the FWC website.
