Overview

• Robert Markel, 89, and his dog were found dead in Jerome, Florida, after a suspected black bear attack near the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has established a perimeter, deployed drones, and set bear traps while DNA evidence is analyzed to confirm the bear's role.
• A dead bear was recovered from the area after gunshots were heard, but officials have not yet confirmed if it was the animal responsible for the attack.
• If confirmed, this would mark the first documented fatal bear attack in Florida's history, highlighting the challenges posed by the state's growing black bear population, now estimated at over 4,000.
• Residents and visitors have been urged to avoid the area and remain vigilant as investigations continue into the rare and tragic incident.