First Fatal Bear Attack in Florida’s Recorded History Leaves Man and Dog Dead

Authorities in Florida have announced the state’s first known fatal bear attack. One or more bears killed Robert Markel, an 89-year-old man, along with his dog, in Collier County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), as reported by USA Today. The attack comes as the FWC considers restarting “highly regulated bear hunting” for the first time since 2015 in response to a growing bear population. On the morning of Monday May 5, Markel’s daughter called 911 after she saw a bear attack and kill her father’s dog, according to authorities, as reported by USA Today. When officials arrived at the scene, they also found Markel’s body. Both Markel and his dog died on Markel’s property, but at different times. “When there’s a loss of life, we’re all affected by this, we’re very sorry that this occurred,” commission spokesperson Tyson Matthews said at a news conference, according to USA Today. Within 24 hours of Markel’s death, wildlife officers set up cameras ... Read full article.