Authorities are investigating a suspected bear attack that resulted in the deaths of an 89-year-old man, Robert Markel, and his dog in Collier County, Florida. The deceased were found in separate areas of his home near Jerome on Monday morning, following a call made shortly after 7 a.m. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) spokesperson George Reynaud confirmed that the deaths were indeed due to a bear attack, although it remains unclear whether one or multiple bears were involved. The incident potentially occurred at different times since the man and dog were located a couple of hundred yards apart.
In response to the attack, wildlife officials established a perimeter around the area and deployed drones to search for the bear or bears responsible. Bear traps have also been set nearby to capture the animal(s) involved. DNA evidence collected from the scene will assist investigators in determining the specifics of the incident. Based on the habitat and context, officials suspect that the bear responsible is likely a Florida black bear, the only bear species native to the state, with an estimated population of around 4,050 in Florida.
The situation has raised concerns among local residents regarding wildlife encounters, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. Efforts to locate the bear are ongoing as officials aim to ensure the safety of the community and prevent future incidents.
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