Overview

• Authorities are investigating the deaths of Robert Markel and his dog in Jerome, Florida, believed to be caused by a black bear attack on May 5.
• Wildlife officials have killed three bears in the area and sent DNA samples to a Gainesville lab to determine if any were involved in the attack.
• Markel’s daughter witnessed a bear kill the dog near their property, leading to the discovery of Markel’s body a few hundred yards away.
• If confirmed, this would be Florida’s first recorded human fatality from a bear attack, highlighting growing concerns about bear-human interactions in the state.
• Residents and visitors have been urged to avoid the area as officials continue their investigation and maintain perimeter security.