What began as a regular morning in a small Florida town turned into a scene straight out of a nightmare.
A tight-knit community near Jerome in Collier County is reeling after an 89-year-old man and his dog were found dead, the result of what authorities suspect was a brutal bear attack.
A Horrific Discovery in the Early Hours
It was just after 7am on Monday when Robert Markel’s grandson made a chilling 911 call.
After checking in on his grandfather’s camper, he found the place torn apart — and the unthinkable had happened.
“I’m putting my clothes on, getting my gun, and going to look for a bear,” the distraught grandson told the dispatcher, according to a report by WBBH. “The bear just got the dog, the dog’s dead.
We went in to check on him in the camper, he’s gone, the camper’s tore all apart.”
The dispatcher asked if it was possible Markel had run to escape the animal, but the grandson replied heartbreakingly, “He’s 89, he can’t run. He can’t even walk without falling over.”
Victims Found in Separate Locations
Authorities later confirmed that both Markel and his dog were found dead — but in different locations, about 200 yards apart.
The chaotic scene pointed clearly to a violent encounter, with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) spokesperson George Reynaud confirming it was being investigated as a fatal wildlife attack, likely involving a bear.
“This happened near State Road 29 and US 41, just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area,” Reynaud said during a Monday evening press conference.
“Preliminary information indicates a bear was responsible, but we’re still trying to determine if it was one bear or more.”
Fears Rise as Bear May Still Be Roaming
Adding to the unease in the community, officials believe the bear could still be nearby.
“The bear involved may still be in the area,” Reynaud warned.
“We’ve set up a perimeter, and we’re asking people to stay away from the scene and stay alert.”
To protect residents and visitors, officers have been stationed around the area.
“Public safety is our top priority,” Reynaud emphasized.
“We’ve got officers deployed to monitor the area while we search for the bear.”
Traps Set and Bears Captured as Investigation Continues
In response to the fatal attack, wildlife officials have placed four live bear traps in the surrounding area.
So far, at least three bears have been captured and euthanized as part of the investigation.
Whether any of those bears are responsible for the attack won’t be known until DNA testing is complete.
“We’ve taken samples and we’re waiting on lab results,” Reynaud said.
“It’s still early, and we’re being as thorough as possible.”
A Rare and Alarming Attack in Florida
Experts are baffled by the violent nature of the incident.
Florida is home to around 4,050 black bears — the only species native to the state — and they’re known to typically avoid humans.
That’s what makes this case especially disturbing.
“This type of attack is extremely rare,” Reynaud noted.
“Our thoughts are with Mr. Markel’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Community Left in Shock as Questions Remain
As residents grieve and worry about safety in the days ahead, there’s a lingering sense of disbelief that such a tragedy could happen in their backyard.
The investigation is ongoing, and until the bear — or bears — responsible are identified, the community remains on edge.
But for now, authorities are urging caution, compassion, and patience as they work to get answers.