A tragic and unprecedented event in Collier County, Florida, has left the community reeling as 89-year-old Robert Markel lost his life in a fatal bear attack on Monday, April 24, 2025. The attack, which also claimed the life of his dog, occurred in a wooded area near the 22000 block of State Road 29, just north of Everglades City, close to Copeland, Florida. This incident is believed to be the first fatal wildlife attack involving a bear in Florida’s recorded history. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has launched an investigation into the fatal attack, and two bears have been removed from the area as part of the ongoing efforts to determine the cause and identify the animal responsible.

The Tragic Incident: A Daughter’s Heartbreaking Discovery

The devastating events unfolded early Monday morning, when the Collier County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 7:07 a.m. reporting a shooting at a home in the rural part of the county. However, upon arrival, deputies discovered a much more distressing scene. Robert Markel’s daughter had arrived at the family home to find her dog being attacked by a bear. Tragically, she soon discovered her father’s lifeless body nearby, also victimized by the bear.

Frantically, she dialed 911, reporting the gruesome discovery. Officers and emergency medical personnel arrived shortly after to confirm the death of Robert Markel. According to the initial investigation, the cause of death was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds inflicted by the bear.

The victim was later identified by the Anderson County Coroner’s Office, marking the event as the first fatal bear attack in Florida’s recorded history. The tragic attack has prompted a statewide conversation about the dangers of human-wildlife interactions, particularly as bear populations in Florida continue to grow.

Florida’s First Fatal Bear Attack: What Led to the Incident?

While bear attacks on humans are rare, they are not impossible, particularly in areas where human populations and bear habitats intersect. Bear sightings are common in many parts of Florida, but deadly attacks are virtually unheard of. This incident is all the more shocking due to the relative rarity of bear fatalities in the state.

Preliminary reports suggest that the bear, or bears, involved in the attack may have been foraging for food in a wooded area near the road. It remains unclear whether the bears were directly targeting Markel or whether they were simply in the area looking for food when they encountered him. The FWC has emphasized that the exact details of the attack are still under investigation and that no conclusive answers have been determined at this point.

This case follows a similar incident in 2018, in which a man was severely injured in a bear encounter, though that incident did not result in a fatality. That encounter raised awareness about the potential risks posed by wildlife, particularly as Florida’s bear population continues to grow.

Response and Investigation: FWC Removes Two Bears

In response to the attack, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has taken immediate steps to address the situation. On Monday evening, FWC officials confirmed that two bears were removed from the area as part of their ongoing investigation into the deadly attack. Four live traps have been set up in the region in hopes of capturing the bear or bears responsible for the attack.

The FWC has not yet determined whether one bear was responsible for both fatalities or if multiple bears were involved. The investigation continues, with wildlife officers working closely with local law enforcement to track the animal(s) and ensure that the public remains safe.

“We are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that there is no further threat to public safety,” said a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “We continue to work on gathering information and reviewing evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.”

The Community Reacts: A Shock to Pendleton and Florida

The death of Robert Markel has left a profound impact on the small, close-knit community of Pendleton. Residents in the area are still processing the tragic event, as bear attacks in Florida, let alone fatal ones, are rare. Friends, neighbors, and local leaders have expressed their disbelief and sadness at the news of Markel’s death, with many recalling how the area is typically quiet and peaceful.

Local residents have expressed a mix of shock and concern, reflecting on how close to home such a tragedy has struck. The news of the attack has sparked debates about the potential dangers of living in areas that are inhabited by wildlife, and the incident has caused some to reconsider their safety when venturing into natural areas.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has reminded the public to remain vigilant and take precautions when traveling or living in areas where wildlife, particularly bears, may be present. Though bear attacks remain extremely rare, residents are advised to avoid approaching or attempting to track wildlife and to report any dangerous animals to the FWC.

FWC’s Ongoing Investigation: A Focus on Safety

In the wake of the bear attack, the FWC has continued its investigation into the incident, working with law enforcement and wildlife experts to gather evidence and identify the bear or bears responsible for the deaths of Robert Markel and his dog. Investigators are also reviewing nearby surveillance footage, conducting interviews with witnesses, and gathering forensic evidence to piece together the timeline of events.

“It is important that we take every step to fully understand what happened and to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” said FWC spokesperson Cindy Hunt. “Our primary concern is public safety, and we are committed to ensuring that the appropriate actions are taken to prevent further danger.”

Safety Measures and the Growing Bear Population

As the investigation continues, many are looking to the future of wildlife management in Florida. The FWC is working to monitor and manage bear populations across the state, particularly in areas where human-wildlife interactions are more likely to occur. With the bear population continuing to grow, officials are exploring potential measures to mitigate the risks of further incidents, including wildlife corridors, habitat protection, and public education campaigns.

In response to concerns about the growing number of bear sightings, FWC officials have urged residents to remain cautious and take necessary precautions. This includes securing garbage, installing bear-proof trash bins, and avoiding any direct interactions with bears, which can be attracted to food sources in residential areas.

“We encourage people to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any bear sightings immediately,” said Hunt. “The safety of both the public and wildlife is our top priority.”

The Community Mourns: Remembering Robert Markel

The loss of Robert Markel has left a deep wound in the community, as those who knew him remember him as a kind, caring man who loved his family and his home. Friends and family have taken to social media to share tributes, remembering Markel’s generosity, warmth, and commitment to his loved ones.

“He was always willing to lend a helping hand,” said one friend. “This is such a tragic and senseless loss. My thoughts are with his family.”

Funeral arrangements for Robert Markel have yet to be announced, but the family and community are finding comfort in the support they are receiving from the local area. Many are hopeful that the investigation will provide answers and help bring closure to the family in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy.

Conclusion: A Grim Reminder of Wildlife Risks

The death of Robert Markel serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildlife, even in areas where such incidents are rare. While bear attacks are not common, this tragic event has underscored the need for increased awareness and caution when living or traveling in wildlife-inhabited areas. As the investigation continues and more details emerge, authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of residents and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has pledged to continue its efforts to locate the bear involved in the attack, and the community remains united in mourning the loss of a beloved resident. In the coming weeks, the FWC will provide updates on the situation, and the public is encouraged to report any sightings or concerns related to wildlife in their area.