American black bear walking in a forest.
Share this @internewscast.com

An 89-year-old man and his cherished dog were tragically mauled to death in a disturbing black bear attack in southwest Florida, leading lab technicians to a shocking discovery.

The gruesome scene unfolded early Monday morning when Robert Markel and his pet were killed near his camper home in the remote town of Jerome.

American black bear walking in a forest.
An elderly man and their dog were mauled to death in a horror black bear attack (stock image)Credit: Getty
Nighttime scene of emergency responders at what appears to be a crime scene.
Wildlife officials at the scene capturing the black bear for further examinationsCredit: NBC
Two Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers at a crime scene.
Officials in Florida found partial remains of the 89-year-old inside the beastCredit: NBC
Vehicles parked near a tent in a wooded area.
The mauling unfolded early Monday morning in the remote town of JeromeCredit: NBC

What wildlife officers later found in the lab made the tragedy even more chilling.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), parts of Mr. Markel’s remains were discovered inside a 263-pound male black bear, which was one of three bears euthanized following the attack.

It is now the first confirmed fatal bear attack in the state’s history, officials say.

The eerie discovery was confirmed by necropsy results released Friday.

DNA testing showed the same bear’s genetic material was found on Mr Markel’s body, inside his home, and on his dog’s corpse.

While officials did not conclusively state that the bear killed the elderly man, a preliminary autopsy indicated that his injuries were “consistent with a bear attack.”

Mr Markel’s heartbroken grandson made the harrowing 911 call after stumbling upon the carnage.

He told the dispatcher: “I’m putting my clothes on, getting my gun, and going to look for a bear.

“The bear just got the dog, the dog’s dead.

Baltimore’s New Parking Crackdown: Fines Reach $150 Under Tiered Enforcement

“We went in to check on him in the camper, he’s gone, the camper’s tore all apart.”

When asked if his grandfather may have run from the beast, he replied: “He’s 89, he can’t run. He can’t even walk without falling over.”

Mr Markel and his dog were discovered 182 meters (200 yards) apart, with signs that the bear had broken into the camper while the grandson was sleeping nearby.

FWC officers set traps and cameras around the property and killed three adult male bears weighing 93, 119, and 196kg.

They were sent to a Gainesville lab for necropsies and rabies testing, which none of them tested positive for.

Officials also tried to capture a fourth bear but were unsuccessful.

In a statement, FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said: “We want to thank the family for their cooperation as they navigate this challenging time, and our thoughts remain with them.

“I am proud of our staff’s professional response and support for the family as they faced an unfathomable event this week.”

The horror attack marks a somber first in Florida history.

While black bears – the only bear species found in the state – have previously scratched or bitten people, no fatal encounters have ever been recorded until now.

Since the 1970s, just 42 physical bear-human contacts have been documented, with only three causing serious injury.

Wildlife experts say the attack is highly unusual.

Florida is home to roughly 4,050 black bears, and sightings have become more common as the animals wander into rural neighbourhoods, particularly in north and central Florida.

FWC urged residents living near bear habitats to keep garbage, food, and pets secure, and to report any threatening bear behavior.

The investigation remains open as officials work to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal mauling.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
JSO: Young couple dead after apparent murder-suicide on Jacksonville's Northside

Tragic Incident on Jacksonville’s Northside: Young Couple Found Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide

JSO Sergeant Highfill mentioned that both individuals were approximately 19-20 years old…
James McMurdock, Reform UK MP, at the House of Commons.

Reform MP James McMurdock Takes Leave from Party Due to ‘Business Conduct During Pandemic’ Concerns

REFORM MP James McMurdock has voluntarily removed the party whip from himself.…
South Philly shooting today: At least 8 wounded in mass shooting inside 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge in Philadelphia, PA

Mass Shooting at 7 Elements in South Philly: 8 Injured

PHILADELPHIA — At least eight people were wounded in a mass shooting…
Parents desperately seeking answers on missing campers after Texas flood

Parents Frantically Seek Information on Campers Missing After Texas Flood

Parents are searching for information about their children’s whereabouts as dozens remain…
Kelly Clarkson delays Vegas residency debut, citing vocal strain

Kelly Clarkson postpones Vegas residency debut due to vocal strain

“I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so…
A man in a military uniform stands with a flag.

I’m the Leader of a Tiny Desert Empire in America: We’ve Declared War on Germany and Host Celebrity Guests

IN the sun-scorched high desert of Northern Nevada lies a tiny self-declared…
Back of the Yards, Chicago shooting: At least 7 seriously injured in mass shooting in 4800-block of South Justine Street, CPD says

Mass Shooting in Chicago’s Back of the Yards: 7 Suffer Serious Injuries on South Justine Street, Police Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police reported that at least seven individuals sustained…
Tropical Storm Chantal forms off South Carolina coast

Tropical Storm Chantal Develops Near the Coast of South Carolina

On Saturday morning, Tropical Storm Chantal emerged near the coast of South…
Collage of illustrations of world leaders as children.

Putin Uses Cartoons Featuring Baby Trump to Influence Young Children Early

TWISTED Putin’s brainwashing programme has plunged to new depths with a dystopian…
NYC temporarily shuts down Queens beaches after sharks swim dangerously close to Fourth of July crowd

Shark Sightings Prompt Temporary Closure of Queens Beaches on Fourth of July

Several sharks were spotted in New York City waters on the Fourth…
Julian McMahon dies after cancer battle

Julian McMahon Passes Away Following Cancer Struggle

McMahon gained fame for his role as the plastic surgeon Dr. Christian…
Indianapolis mass shooting leaves 2 dead, several others wounded

Two Killed and Several Injured in Indianapolis Mass Shooting

Two people were killed in a shooting that injured at least seven…