A tragic bear attack resulted in the deaths of a man and his dog on Monday morning in Jerome, Florida, sparking a swift investigation and an urgent search for the bear involved.
Now, officials said two bears have been killed and removed from the area, according to a report from NBC affiliate WBBH.
The incident was reported shortly after 7 a.m., near Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, when the victim’s daughter dialed 911 after discovering the deceased dog, as confirmed by Florida Fish and Wildlife officials during a press conference on Monday.
The victim, Robert Markel, an 89-year-old resident of Collier County, was discovered dead nearly 100 yards away from the location of the dog. By Monday afternoon, FWC officials had not yet determined whether the attacks were the work of a single bear or multiple bears, given the separate timing of the deaths.
Concerned that the bear was still in the area, four live bear traps were deployed that afternoon.
On Tuesday morning, FWC confirmed to WBBH that two bears have been removed from the area.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid the area. Do not approach or attempt to track wildlife,” authorities told WFLA.com on Monday.
WBBH said this would be the first deadly bear attack in Florida’s history.
The FWC says that if a bear is threatening the safety of humans or animals or causing property damage, contact wildlife officials. When bears feel threatened, they will moan, blow, huff, or stomp the ground, showing you they are uncomfortable and need space. To learn more about bear encounters, click here.
This incident remains an active investigation. WFLA.com has reached out to the FWC for additional information.
