Florida Man and Dog Killed in First Fatal Black Bear Attack

A tragic incident in Jerome, Florida, has marked a somber first for the state: a fatal black bear attack. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed on Friday that an 89-year-old man, Robert Markel, and his dog were killed by a black bear.

The incident began when family members reported Markel missing from his home. They also noted signs of disturbances around the property, raising concerns about potential bear activity. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) alerted the FWC on Monday about a possible fatal wildlife encounter.

FWC law enforcement and bear management staff immediately responded to secure the area. The search led to the discovery of Markel’s remains approximately 100 yards from his home. Evidence suggested a physical altercation between a bear and a person had occurred near the residence. Authorities also learned of a recent incident where a dog was killed by a bear in the vicinity. Adding to the alarm, there were indications that a bear had entered the man’s home.

The FWC, guided by its Human-Bear Conflict Response Policies and Guidelines, initiated a process to remove bears deemed a threat to public safety. The agency’s response began on Monday night and continued into early Tuesday morning. During this period, FWC personnel killed three adult male bears, weighing 207, 263, and 434 pounds, respectively. An attempt to trap a fourth bear proved unsuccessful, but DNA evidence was collected.

The carcasses of the three killed bears were transported to laboratories in Gainesville for necropsy and testing. Simultaneously, DNA samples were gathered from physical evidence at the scene of the attack. The Collier County Medical Examiner’s Office is still conducting its investigation, but preliminary findings indicated that Markel’s cause of death was consistent with injuries inflicted by a black bear.

Necropsy results revealed a disturbing confirmation: the 263-pound male bear contained partial remains of Robert Markel. Subsequent DNA analysis confirmed that the DNA of the 263-pound male bear was present on Markel, inside his home, and on the dog’s body. Furthermore, the only bear DNA found at the scene matched the three bears killed by authorities.

All three bears were tested for rabies, and the results came back negative. FWC law enforcement and bear management staff maintained close contact with the family throughout the week, offering support and updates on the investigation. They also maintained a presence near the property until Friday, during which time only one additional bear was sighted in the area. Law enforcement and bear management staff will continue to maintain a presence in the area throughout the weekend.

FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto expressed his condolences and commended the agency’s response: "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 staffs professional response and support for the family as they faced an unfathomable event this week."

Jerome is located within the South Bear Management Unit, which has the third-largest population of bears in the state. In 2015, the bear population in this unit was estimated at 1,044. Between May 5, 2024, and May 4, 2025, the FWC received 16 bear-related calls within a 10-mile radius of nearby Copeland. These calls resulted in five site visits, five capture efforts, three bears that were relocated and hazed, and one bear that was humanely killed.

While it is rare for wild black bears to injure people in Florida, incidents have occurred. These incidents most often take place when cubs are present, when food sources are involved, or when dogs are present. The FWC receives an average of 6,300 bear-related calls annually. Since the 1970s, when comprehensive records began being kept, the agency has documented 42 prior incidents where wild black bears have made physical contact with people. Of those, three resulted in serious injuries requiring medical attention prior to this most recent incident.