In an unprecedented and heart-wrenching event that has sent shockwaves through the close-knit communities of Collier County, Florida wildlife officials are conducting an intensive investigation into what appears to be the state’s first-ever fatal black bear attack on a human. The victim, 89-year-old Robert Markel, and his dog were both killed on Monday near the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area—a sprawling, biodiverse habitat on the edge of the Everglades, just south of State Road 29.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed the fatality late Monday evening, triggering an immediate response from wildlife biologists, law enforcement, and public safety officials. The incident, described as “highly unusual and deeply tragic” by FWC spokesperson Lisa Thompson, has not only stunned local residents but also prompted serious questions about human-wildlife coexistence in Florida’s fast-developing natural landscapes.

According to preliminary reports, Markel, a longtime Naples resident and outdoor enthusiast, was out walking his dog along a wooded trail adjacent to his rural property when he encountered the bear. It remains unclear what provoked the attack, but authorities believe the bear may have been startled or acting defensively—possibly protecting cubs or a food source. The bear reportedly inflicted fatal injuries on both Markel and his dog before retreating deeper into the dense brush of the Big Cypress region.

FWC officials, with the assistance of Collier County Sheriff’s deputies and tracking dogs, have launched an aggressive search for the bear believed to be responsible. Helicopters have been deployed to scan the vast marshlands, while wildlife traps and motion-detection cameras have been installed along key trails. As of Tuesday afternoon, no bear matching the description has been captured, though sightings have been reported in the vicinity.

“This is a profoundly rare and tragic occurrence,” said Thompson during a press conference. “Black bears are typically shy, reclusive animals that avoid human contact. Fatal attacks like this are virtually unheard of in Florida’s recorded history.”

The FWC has emphasized that public safety remains a top priority and has issued temporary trail closures and safety advisories for the surrounding area. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, keep pets indoors, and avoid wooded areas during dawn and dusk—when bears are most active. Wildlife officers have also begun conducting door-to-door outreach, distributing bear safety literature and answering residents’ concerns.

Longtime neighbors of Robert Markel remembered him as a gentle, kind-hearted man with a deep love for nature and animals. “He was part of the soul of this community,” said Angela Ramirez, a neighbor of more than 20 years. “To think his life ended like this—doing something he loved—is just devastating. Everyone here is in mourning.”

Though Florida is home to an estimated 4,000 black bears, primarily in forested regions like the Panhandle and Central Florida, the population in Southwest Florida has been growing steadily in recent decades. Experts believe the combination of increased development, habitat fragmentation, and abundant food sources—such as unsecured garbage and pet food—may be drawing bears closer to residential areas.

“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for public education and responsible coexistence,” said Dr. Aaron Wallace, a wildlife ecologist at Florida Gulf Coast University. “We must adapt our behaviors as our communities expand into bear habitats. That includes securing attractants, understanding bear behavior, and supporting conservation policies that protect both people and wildlife.”

The FWC has announced plans to hold a series of community meetings in Collier County to discuss bear awareness, safety protocols, and long-term strategies to mitigate future human-bear conflicts. Additionally, wildlife experts will be reviewing this incident to determine whether new regulations or monitoring programs are needed in areas with rising bear activity.

As the investigation continues, the community of Naples mourns the loss of one of its beloved elders. A memorial for Robert Markel will be held later this week at the local community center, where friends and family will gather to remember a man whose life embodied a quiet connection to the natural world—now marked by an unspeakable tragedy.

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