Authorities are investigating a suspected bear attack that led to the tragic deaths of 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog at his Collier County, Florida home. The bodies were discovered Monday morning, shortly after a report was made at around 7 a.m. Wildlife officials confirmed that the incident involved a bear, although it remains unclear whether the attack was perpetrated by a single bear or multiple bears. Markel and his dog were found several hundred yards apart, suggesting that the attacks could have occurred at different times.
The area where the incident took place is just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, which is home to the Florida black bear, the only bear species native to the region. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that there are approximately 4,050 of these bears in the state. In response to the attack, authorities established a perimeter around the area and deployed drones for reconnaissance. They also set bear traps in hopes of capturing the animal or animals responsible for the attack.
Additionally, DNA evidence collected from the scene will aid in the investigation, which aims to determine the specific circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The FWC is closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and gather insights into bear behavior in the area. The investigation underscores the need for caution in regions where human and wildlife interactions can lead to dangerous encounters.
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