A man identified as Robert Markel and his pet dog were reportedly killed in what might be Florida’s first documented fatal. The incident occurred on May 5, 2025 in a remote area south of Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area near Everglades City in Collier County, when authorities responded to a call around 7:07 a.m. after a family member witnessed a bear attack the dog. What Happened? Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and Collier County Sheriff’s deputies secured the area, setting traps and using aerial drones throughout the search operation. The victim’s granddaughter told a responding deputy that … Continue reading Florida’s First Fatal Bear Attack: 89-Year-Old Man and Dog Killed as Black Bear Population Exceeds 4,000