89-Year-Old Man Killed by Bear in Florida’s First Fatal Attack

Florida Bear Habitat

News Summary

In a tragic incident, Robert Markel, an 89-year-old from Jerome, was killed by a black bear on May 5, 2023. This marks Florida’s first recorded fatal bear attack. Following a missing person report, officials discovered his remains close to home, with evidence pointing to a bear encounter. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has responded by euthanizing three bears. This incident highlights the rarity of such attacks in Florida, with only two confirmed cases this year.

Florida – An 89-year-old man from Jerome, Collier County, was killed by a black bear on May 5, 2023, marking the first recorded fatal bear attack in Florida’s history. The remains of Robert Markel were discovered approximately 100 yards from his home after family members reported him missing.

Following the missing person’s report, family members noticed disturbances around the property that suggested bear activity. This prompted the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for assistance. Upon investigation, FWC discovered significant evidence indicating a physical encounter between Markel and a bear. This included signs of bear entry into Markel’s home and a recently killed dog found nearby.

A post-mortem examination revealed that part of Markel’s remains was found inside the stomach of a 263-pound male black bear. DNA tests confirmed the presence of Markel’s DNA on the bear, within his home, and on the dog’s remains. Following the alarming incident, FWC took swift action; they initially received a report of a “possible fatal wildlife encounter” on the same day, and efforts were made to secure the area from potential bear threats.

As a reaction to the attack, FWC personnel killed three adult male bears weighing 207, 263, and 434 pounds. Attempts to trap a fourth bear were unsuccessful. The bodies of these bears were sent for necropsy and testing, which revealed no rabies in any of the animals. The preliminary cause of Markel’s death was determined to be consistent with injuries typically inflicted by a black bear, according to the Collier County Medical Examiner’s office.

During the investigation, FWC recorded 16 bear-related calls in the vicinity within a ten-mile radius, leading to multiple visits and responses concerning bear sightings and encounters. In light of the tragedy, FWC’s chairman conveyed condolences to Markel’s family, acknowledging the staff’s rapid response during this distressing event.

Historically, wild black bears in Florida have had very few reported incidents of harming humans. On average, the FWC receives about 6,300 bear-related calls each year, but only 42 instances of physical contact with bears have been documented since the 1970s. This incident was the second confirmed bear attack on a human in Florida for the year, following another attack that occurred in February.

The FWC continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Markel’s tragic death. The agency plans to keep the investigation open until all tests and reviews are complete to ensure a comprehensive understanding of this unprecedented event.