COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – Three bears were trapped and killed after an 89-year-old Collier County man and his dog were killed, according to an update from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
FWC officials said that 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog were killed after the suspected fatal bear attack.
The incident occurred Monday near the intersection of State Road 29 and U.S. 41, just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, the FWC said in a statement.
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According to a news release, FWC crews secured the perimeter and several traps and cameras were placed throughout the area Monday evening resulting in three bears being trapped and killed.
“DNA samples from the scene and the three bears have been sent to Gainesville for testing, and we are awaiting those results,” FWC said in the release.
Officials ask residents and visitors to continue to remain vigilant and avoid the area as they continue their investigation.
FWC warned not approach or attempt to track wildlife. Law enforcement and FWC personnel are continuing to monitor bear activity and ensure public safety.
To learn more about bears and how to avoid conflicts with them, visit this FWC page, or click here for the BearWife program.
Please contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) if you feel threatened by a bear; observe a sick, injured, dead or orphaned bear; or to report someone who is either harming bears or intentionally feeding them.