An 89-year-old Florida man, Robert Markel, was found dead alongside his dog, having suffered from a suspected bear attack. Shocked by the event, authorities are still trying to find out exactly what happened. They even believe that more than one bear was involved.
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According to Fox 4 Now, the incident took place during the early hours of Monday, May 5, in Collier County. Both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Collier County Sheriff's Office responded to a property in a wooded area. Previously, they had received a report of a bear attack at around 7 a.m.
According to FWC officials, Markel's daughter told 911 that she had witnessed a bear kill her father's dog. Upon arrival, investigators not only found the mauled dog but also Markel's body on his property. Given the evidence, it is possible that Robert Markel was killed hours before his daughter called 911.
"The bear involved may still be in the area as our officers continue to secure the perimeter," FWC Officer George Reynaud told Fox 4 Now at the time. "Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid the area."
"We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Markel. At this time, we have deployed four live bear traps around the vicinity of where the incident occurred in an attempt to capture this bear."
According to the Naples Daily News, FWC officials managed to kill a bear in the vicinity of Markel's property. The bear was hauled and sent for DNA testing.
Investigation Continues
At the time, officials were waiting for DNA samples from the scene to determine whether a black bear attacked and killed both Markel and his dog. However, an FWC update issued on Tuesday, May 6, confirmed that three bears had been shot and killed overnight.
"DNA samples from the scene and the three bears have been sent to Gainesville for testing," FWC Executive Director Robert Young said. We are awaiting the results of the DNA testing now."
Reportedly, officials will attempt to trap all bears that were involved in the incident. As per the outlet, it is believed that more than one bear was involved in Markel's and his dog's deaths.
FWC Bear Management Coordinator Mike Orlando expressed feeling shocked by the nature of the attack. According to him, the fact that a bear killed a man is something "extraordinarily rare."
"It's the first time we've had that in our state's history," Orlando said.
