News Summary
An 89-year-old man and his dog were killed during a black bear attack in Collier County, prompting wildlife officials to implement safety measures. Authorities have set traps and cameras while investigating potential connections between the attack and several bears that were killed. With Florida’s black bear population on the rise, officials are revisiting regulations on bear hunting to ensure public safety. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and utilize safety measures to deter bears in their vicinity.
Collier County, Florida – An 89-year-old man and his dog were tragically killed during a black bear attack on May 5, near the intersection of State Road 29 and U.S. 41. This incident occurred close to the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, a region known for its wildlife activity.
Following the attack, authorities with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set up multiple traps and cameras in the area to monitor bear activity. As part of this response, at least three black bears were killed under suspicion that they may have been involved in the incident. DNA samples collected from the scene of the attack and the bears are currently being tested in Gainesville to determine any connection to the attack, but results are still pending.
In light of the attack, officials are urging both residents and visitors to avoid the area and refrain from approaching or tracking any wildlife. The circumstances leading to the attack remain unclear; it is unknown whether Robert Markel was hiking, camping, or encountered the bear on private property. Additionally, it has yet to be determined if the bear acted defensively or was provoked. There has been no previous record of sightings of this bear in the vicinity, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
While attacks by black bears on humans in Florida are rare, this tragic event highlights the potential risks associated with an increasing bear population in the state, which now numbers over 4,000. As a result, wildlife officials are considering a proposal for regulated bear hunting as a means of population control, though specific details of the proposed hunt are still being finalized.
The black bear population in Florida has made a significant recovery since being classified as threatened due to habitat loss and human encroachment. However, this resurgence has coincided with a rise in bear sightings in both populated and semi-rural areas. Reports indicate that bears are increasingly rummaging through residential trash and even entering homes. The FWC has highlighted that Florida black bears inhabit nearly half of the state, with frequent sightings occurring in Southwest Florida.
In recent months, there have been multiple bear encounters across the state. Notably, one incident involved a mother bear and her cubs, and another event led to a temporary closure of a portion of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in September 2023 due to bear activity.
To help residents better understand bear interactions, the FWC maintains an interactive public bear map, allowing citizens to track current bear locations and encounters. To promote safe coexistence with bears, the commission strongly advises residents to take measures to deter bears from their properties. This includes scaring bears away if they enter yards and ensuring that food sources are inaccessible to wildlife.
In July 2024, Florida implemented a law enabling residents to defend themselves against aggressive bears, which includes a provision allowing for the lethal removal of threatening bears. This regulation reflects growing concerns about public safety amid increasing black bear populations and their interactions with humans.
The tragic attack on Robert Markel and his dog serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in human-bear interactions. As Florida communities continue to grapple with the increasing presence of wildlife, it is essential that residents remain vigilant and informed about appropriate safety measures when encountering bears.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 35 Orlando: Black Bear Kills Man & Dog, Latest Updates
- Wikipedia: Black Bear
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black Bear
- CBS News: Florida Black Bear Kills Man & Dog
- Google Search: Florida Black Bear Attacks
- WESH: Florida Bear Bag of Cookies Used to Save Dog
- Google News: Florida Bear Population
- Fox 35 Orlando: Deadly Florida Bear Attack
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
