Robert Markel dies in fatal Collier County black bear attack

Robert Markel dies in fatal Collier County black bear attack

Fatal Collier County black bear attack death of Robert Markel – Obituary

Robert Markel, 89, lost his life in a historic and tragic incident in Jerome, Florida, marking the first deadly black bear attack ever recorded in the state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed that partial remains of Markel were discovered inside a black bear that was later euthanized following the attack.

Authorities responded to a call shortly after 7 a.m. on Monday and found both Markel and his dog dead at their residence near Jerome, a rural community southeast of Naples and adjacent to Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.

According to the FWC, a 263-pound male black bear was one of three bears put down in the vicinity after the incident. DNA testing confirmed that this bear had Markel’s DNA on its body, inside his home, and on the remains of his dog. Investigators found Markel’s body roughly 100 yards from his home, along with evidence that a bear had entered the house.

All three bears involved were tested for rabies and results came back negative. While the Collier County Medical Examiner has not yet finalized the case, preliminary findings indicate that the injuries Markel sustained were consistent with those caused by a black bear.

Officials are still piecing together the exact timeline of events, and the investigation remains ongoing. The area where the attack occurred falls within the South Bear Management Unit, home to one of the largest bear populations in Florida, estimated at over 1,000 as of 2015.