JEROME, Fla. (WFLA) — The fatal bear encounter that killed a man and a dog on Monday morning has prompted extensive investigation and urgency to catch a bear.
According to a report by NBC affiliate WBBH, authorities said two bears were killed and excluded from the area.
The incident happened just after 7am in Jerome, south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, when the victim’s daughter called 911 to call 911 after seeing a dead dog, Florida fish and wildlife officials said at a press conference Monday.
Mann was found dead following a “bear encounter” in South Florida, deputies say
The victim, identified as Collier County resident Robert Markel, 89, was found dead almost 100 yards away from the dog. As of Monday afternoon, FWC officials were not sure if the same bear had been attacked or came from multiple bears.
Concerned that the bears were still in the area, four live bear traps were unfolded that afternoon.
On Tuesday morning, the FWC confirmed to WBBH that two bears had been removed from the area.
Indian Rocks Beach neighbor worried about a big boom and a pink plume of smoke
“From the abundant attention we urge residents and visitors to stay vigilant and avoid the area. Do not attempt to track wildlife,” authorities told WFLA.com on Monday.
The WBBH said this would be the first deadly bear attack in Florida history.
The FWC says it contacts wildlife officials if the bear is threatening the safety of humans or animals or causing property damage. When the bear feels threatened, they moan, blow, huff, or stomp the ground, indicating that they are uncomfortable and need space. For more information about Bear Encounters, click here.
The incident remains an active investigation. WFLA.com has contacted the FWC for additional information.
