Florida man and his dog killed in suspected bear attack

Authorities were looking for the animals responsible after a Florida man and his dog were found dead from a suspected bear attack Monday, wildlife officials said.

Authorities were looking for the animals responsible after a Florida man and his dog were found dead from a suspected bear attack Monday, wildlife officials said.

Robert Markel, 89, was discovered dead along with his dog at his home near the community of Jerome in Collier County after authorities were called shortly after 7 a.m., Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson George Reynaud said.

He and his dog were found in different areas, within a couple hundred yards of each other, Reynaud told reporters.

Authorities investigate a fatal bear attack in Collier County, Fla., on May 5, 2025.WBBH"We do know it was a bear attack. We don't know if it was the same bear or multiple bears," he said.

The attack on Markel and his dog, which occurred just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, may have happened at different times, Reynaud said.