Bear suspected of fatally mauling Fla. homeowner, 89, and pet dog on man's property
Share this @internewscast.com

An 89-year-old Florida homeowner and his pet dog are believed to have been mauled to death by a bear on the man’s property Monday morning.

Robert Markel’s body was discovered shortly after his daughter saw a bear attacking their dog around 7 a.m. in a secluded area of Collier County near Everglades City, as reported.

Authorities are unsure of when Markel was first attacked; however, it could have been several hours before the 911 call was placed, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as mentioned by Fox 4.

DNA testing is underway to confirm that a bear was actually behind the attacks, officials said.

The victim lived alone with the pup leading up to the grisly death.

FWC Officer George Reynaud stated on Monday afternoon that “The bear involved may still be in the area as our officers continue to secure the perimeter,” according to the station.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid the area.”

Hours later, wildlife officials pulled a dead bear from nearby woods around 9 p.m. after a series of loud pops were heard two separate times over a 45-minute period, the Naples Daily News reported.

Four bear traps were previously placed around the area as of Monday evening, with Reynaud stressing that “public safety is paramount.”

If DNA testing confirms a bear killed Markel, it would be Florida’s first recorded fatal bear attack since the FWC started keeping track of that data, Fox 4 reported.

There are roughly 4,000 bears across the Sunshine State that live in forests and swamps from the Eglin Air Force Base to Ocala National Forest, the commission said.

Florida officials advise residents not to run away or climb up a tree if they come face-to-face with a bear, but to instead slowly back away to safety.

Residents are also urged to avoid direct eye contact because bears might see that as aggressive behavior.

But if a bear launches at a person, they are advised to “fight back aggressively.”

“People have successfully fended off black bear attacks using rocks, sticks, or even their bare hands!” the commission said. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Sen. Dick Durbin Compares ICE to WWII Japanese Internment Camps

Senator Durbin Draws Parallels Between ICE Practices and WWII Internment Camps

During a Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing focused on immigration…
Trial starts in $40M lawsuit filed by a Virginia teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old student

Legal Proceedings Commence in $40 Million Lawsuit Filed by Virginia Teacher Injured in Classroom Shooting Involving 6-Year-Old Student

In a gripping courtroom development, the trial has commenced for a $40…
Wall Street Journal urges GOP to kill ObamaCare subsidies

Wall Street Journal Calls on GOP to End ObamaCare Subsidies: A Bold Move for Healthcare Reform

The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board is calling on Congressional Republicans to…
Former Waukegan Police Department Officer Dante Salinas convicted of misconduct, battery will now face charges in deadly shooting

Ex-Waukegan Officer Dante Salinas Receives Jail Time and Probation for Misconduct

A former police officer from Waukegan, Illinois, has received his sentence in…
Private investigator challenges Houston officials on bayou serial killer theory after 16 deaths this year

Private Investigator Questions Houston Authorities Over Bayou Serial Killer Theory Amid 16 Deaths This Year

In the wake of a series of unexplained deaths in Houston’s shadowy…
The same old Cuomo, dividing as always

Cuomo’s Controversial Comeback: Former Governor Sparks Division with Latest Remarks

I’ve never managed to outperform Andrew Cuomo in a debate. When Bill…
Here's how tariffs could impact holiday shopping season: Analysis

Analyzing the Potential Impact of Tariffs on This Year’s Holiday Shopping Season

This holiday season, American consumers might find themselves facing steeper prices on…
Garcia: California’s High Gas Prices Are a Choice – Not a Necessity

Garcia Claims California’s Steep Gas Prices Are Deliberate, Not Inevitable

By Mike Garcia According to AAA, the average price per gallon of…
New York leader pledges more cops, tougher ICE partnership if NYC elects socialist mayor

New York Executive Promises Increased Police Presence and Strengthened ICE Collaboration if Socialist Mayor is Elected

Nassau County’s top official on New York’s Long Island has vowed to…
Wisconsin professor slams ‘isolating environment’ for conservatives on campuses

Wisconsin Professor Critiques Campus Climate, Highlights Challenges for Conservative Voices

This article is part of Fox News Digital’s investigative series, Campus Radicals.…
3 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base personnel found dead in Ohio

Three Personnel from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Discovered Deceased in Ohio

Authorities in Ohio are currently probing the mysterious deaths of three employees…
2 men face sentencing in plot to kill Iranian American journalist

Sentencing Looms for Duo in Foiled Assassination Plot Against Iranian American Journalist

NEW YORK (AP) — A foiled assassination attempt targeting Iranian American journalist…