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.
The body of Robert Markel was found shortly after the victim’s daughter witnessed a bear killing the dog around 7 a.m. in a remote part of Collier County near Everglades City, according to reports.
It’s unclear when Markel was initially attacked, but it might have been hours before the 911 call was made, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said, according to 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.
“The bear involved may still be in the area as our officers continue to secure the perimeter,” FWC Officer George Reynaud said Monday afternoon, 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.
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