Overview

• A 263-pound male black bear was confirmed through DNA and necropsy to have killed 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog on May 5 near Jerome, Florida.
• The bear's DNA was found on Markel's body, inside his home, and on the dog's body, while partial remains of Markel were discovered inside the bear.
• Wildlife officers killed three bears during their search, with lab tests linking one to the attack and confirming it tested negative for rabies.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports an increase in bear-related incidents, with 16 calls logged in the Jerome area over the past year.
• The attack has prompted discussions on wildlife management policies as Florida's black bear population continues to expand into human-occupied areas.