Table of Contents

89-Year-Old Florida Man, Pet Dog Killed in Suspected Bear Mauling Near Everglades City

By James Seidel | CC News Network |

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (May 6, 2025) — Authorities are investigating what could be Florida’s first fatal bear mauling in recorded history after an 89-year-old man and his pet dog were found dead in a remote area near Everglades City.

The victim, identified as Robert Markel, was discovered by Collier County deputies and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers around 7:07 a.m. on Monday, May 5. Markel reportedly lived alone on the property with his dog.

According to officials, Markel’s daughter told investigators she saw a bear attack and kill her father’s dog. Officers later found Markel’s body several hundred yards away from the initial scene.

FWC officials believe the attack may have occurred hours before the call was placed. In a statement, FWC Officer George Reynaud said, “The bear involved may still be in the area as our officers continue to secure the perimeter. Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid the area.”

Drones and ground personnel were deployed to search the surrounding woods, and four live bear traps were set in the vicinity in an effort to locate the animal. A dead black bear was located and removed from the area Monday night, following reports of loud pops heard shortly before 9 p.m.

The black bear population has come back from just several hundred bears in the 1970s to over 4,000 today and is one of Florida’s most successful conservation efforts.

Regulated black bear hunting occurred in Florida in the 1930s and continued until 1994. Hunting was closed until 2015, when it was reopened in the fall. No bear hunting seasons have been open since 2015.

89-Year-Old Florida Man, Pet Dog Killed in Suspected Bear Mauling — A black bear sow stands in long grass and weeds Photo: FWC

The bear has since been transported to Gainesville for DNA testing to determine if it was responsible for the fatal mauling.

“If this bear is confirmed to have killed Mr. Markel, it would mark the first fatal bear attack in Florida history since recordkeeping began,” said FWC officials. This would also be the second reported bear attack in Florida in 2025.

A “disproportionate number” of attacks by bears on human are related to dogs, Lynn Rogers, research scientist for the Wildlife Research Institute and founder of the North American Bear Center, told CC News.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Markel,” Reynaud added.

The investigation remains ongoing. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the FWC have not issued further public comment as of Tuesday morning.