2 bears killed following attack that left man, dog dead in South Florida: report
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Courtesy: NBC affiliate WBBH Gulf Coast News (Alexa Velez)

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Democratic Leaders Criticize Florida Republican for Making ‘Islamophobic’ Remarks About Omar

Democratic leaders on Wednesday condemned comments made by Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.)…

Boy, 6, Survives Close Call with Drowning, Reports Seeing Angels

AVOYELLES PARISH, La. (KLFY) — Independence Day was filled with family joy…

Father of Rapper Charged After Hosting Party Before Chicago Shooting

CHICAGO (WGN) – The father of the rapper who hosted an album…

Tear Gas Used at Protest Against Immigration Raid in Ventura County

Editor’s note: affiliate KTLA reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland…

Polk County Gamers Condemn ‘Swatting’ Incidents: ‘It’s Completely Unnecessary’

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A video game is leading to real-world…

Trump Administration Plan Leads to Dismissal of Over 1,300 State Department Employees

KUALA LUMPUR – Over 1,300 staff members are set to be let…

Chris Brown Denies New Charges in London Nightclub Assault Case

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown…

UPDATE: Harmful Algae Bloom Renders Mattoon Tap Water Unsafe, Poses Health Risks

Update at 7:30 p.m. MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — The entire City of…

Illinois Soccer Prepares for Hultin’s Debut Season, Announces Non-Conference Lineup

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois women’s soccer has unveiled the first non-conference…

Court Halts Trump’s Directive to End Birthright Citizenship

() A federal judge in New Hampshire has issued a temporary injunction…

Senator Angela Paxton Initiates Divorce Proceedings Against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

AUSTIN (Nexstar) State Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, has filed for divorce from her…

Following the unresolved murder of a paddleboarder in Maine, officials advise the public to remain alert.

Just a few days after a paddleboarder’s mysterious death in Maine, state…