Florida wildlife officials are investigating the state’s first confirmed fatal bear attack, which resulted in the death of an 89-year-old man and his dog in Collier County. This tragic incident comes as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) considers reinstating regulated bear hunting, a practice halted in 2015.
On the morning of May 5th, a harrowing 911 call from the victim’s daughter alerted authorities to a bear attacking her father’s dog. Upon arrival, officials discovered the bodies of both Robert Markel and his dog on his property, though the deaths occurred at different times. “When there’s a loss of life, we’re all affected by this, we’re very sorry that this occurred,” stated FWC spokesperson Tyson Matthews.
Swiftly following the incident, wildlife officers deployed cameras and traps near the attack site, leading to the euthanization of three black bears. Their remains were transported to Gainesville for DNA analysis to determine their involvement in the attack. The FWC urges residents and visitors to exercise caution, avoid the area, and refrain from approaching or tracking wildlife. This incident marks the second reported bear mauling in Florida this year.
Florida’s black bear population, once dwindled to a few hundred in the 1970s, has now surged to over 4,000, a testament to successful conservation efforts, according to the FWC. This population rebound, however, has led to increased bear sightings in residential areas and private properties, raising concerns among residents.
In light of these developments, the FWC is deliberating the reintroduction of regulated bear hunts. The 2019 Black Bear Management Plan, reviewed by the commission in December, outlines the objective of such hunts: balancing bear population numbers with suitable habitat and maintaining the health of the bear population. Controlled hunts are also intended to mitigate potentially dangerous human-bear interactions.
FWC bear management program coordinator Mike Orlando advises individuals encountering a bear to “stand your ground,” appear large, speak calmly, and avoid running or playing dead. In the event of physical contact, he emphasizes the importance of fighting back.
This tragic incident underscores the complex challenges of managing wildlife populations and minimizing human-wildlife conflict in increasingly populated areas. The ongoing investigation and renewed discussion surrounding bear hunting highlight the need for effective strategies to ensure both public safety and the long-term well-being of Florida’s black bear population.
