Overview
- A man and his dog were found dead following a suspected bear attack near Jerome in Collier County, Florida, on May 5, 2025.
- The incident occurred near State Road 29 and U.S. 41, close to the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, according to officials.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Collier County Sheriff's Office are actively investigating the attack and have warned residents to avoid the area.
- If confirmed, this would be Florida's second fatal bear mauling in 2025, highlighting a rise in human-bear encounters in the state.
- The FWC is preparing a draft proposal for regulated bear hunting, which will be presented for public review by May 7, as part of broader efforts to manage Florida's black bear population.