Authorities are investigating a fatal bear attack that resulted in the deaths of 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog in Collier County, Florida. Their bodies were discovered at his home near Jerome after emergency calls were made shortly after 7 a.m. of the incident. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson George Reynaud confirmed that both were found in separate locations within a few hundred yards of each other.
The attack was confirmed to have been caused by a bear or bears, though it remains unclear whether the attacks on Markel and his dog occurred simultaneously or at different times. Given the setting just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, the bear responsible is likely a Florida black bear, the only bear species naturally found in the state, of which there are approximately 4,050.
In response to the attack, wildlife officials have established a perimeter around the area and deployed drones to locate the bear or bears involved. They have also set bear traps nearby to capture the animal(s) responsible. Additionally, DNA evidence has been collected from the scene, which will aid in the ongoing investigation to better understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The situation highlights the potential dangers of wildlife interactions in areas where humans and animals share habitats, prompting authorities to take precautions and prevent further incidents.
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