On Monday morning, a bear is thought to have mauled to death an 89-year-old Florida homeowner and his pet dog on his property.
According to accounts, Robert Markel’s body was discovered in a rural area of Collier County close to Everglades City immediately after the victim’s daughter saw a bear kill the dog at around seven in the morning.
According to Fox 4, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that although the exact time of Markel’s initial attack is unknown, it may have been hours before the 911 call was placed.
According to officials, DNA testing is being done to verify that a bear was the true perpetrator of the attacks.
Before the gruesome demise, the victim lived alone with the puppy.
“The bear involved may still be in the area as our officers continue to secure the perimeter,” FWC Officer George Reynaud said Monday afternoon, according to the station.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid the area.”
Following a 45-minute interval during which two distinct loud pops were heard, wildlife officers removed a dead bear from the surrounding woods at approximately 9 p.m., according to the Naples Daily News.
As of Monday night, there were four bear traps in the neighbourhood, and Reynaud emphasised that “public safety is paramount.”
According to Fox 4, if DNA evidence proves that a bear killed Markel, it would be the first fatal bear assault in Florida since the FWC began monitoring such statistics.
From the Eglin Air Force Base to Ocala National Forest, the Sunshine State is home to about 4,000 bears that reside in forests and marshes, according to the commission.
When confronted by a bear, people of Florida are advised to carefully retreat to safety rather than flee or scale a tree.
Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening behaviour, thus residents are advised to avoid it.
However, people are encouraged to “fight back aggressively” if a bear attacks them.
“People have successfully fended off black bear attacks using rocks, sticks, or even their bare hands!” the commission said.
