Bears have the potential to be dangerous creatures. While many bears tend to shy away from humans, there are instances where they, particularly black bears in urban areas, are becoming less fearful of humans. To a bear, anything that poses no threat could be seen as a potential source of food. A bear might decide to attack for various reasons such as protecting their cubs, safeguarding a carcass they have laid claim to, or simply due to their irritable nature. Among different types of bears, black bears are more prone to launching a predatory attack.
Recently, there was a tragic incident in Florida where an elderly man and his dog fell victim to what appears to be the state’s first recorded fatal bear attack. The details surrounding the attack remain uncertain, including whether it was driven by a predatory instinct.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) verified on Friday that a man and his dog were fatally mauled by a black bear in Jerome. This incident stands as the first known fatal black bear attack in the state’s history.
Family members reported 89-year-old Robert Markel missing from his home and “signs of recent disturbances” that could have been caused by a bear or bears around the property.Â
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) notified FWC staff on Monday of a possible fatal wildlife encounter, and FWC law enforcement and bear management staff immediately responded to secure the area.
While this is sad, and while the FWC isn’t speculating on the reason for the attack, there is evidence that the bear – and be advised, this may be disturbing – fed on Mr. Markel’s body after killing him. Three bears were trapped and killed in the area, and a necropsy and DNA testing were carried out.
Necropsy results revealed that one bear, the 263-pound male, contained partial remains of Markel.
DNA results received on Friday positively identified that the 263-pound male’s DNA was present on Markel, inside his home and on the dog’s body.
Bears are opportunistic feeders, so we can’t be sure that predation was the reason for the attack; the attack may have been for other reasons, with the feeding coming afterwards. Why is this a concern? Knowing if the bear attacked initially with predatory intent, first, allows other people in the area to take precautions – bear spray or a firearm – and second, it informs the FWC on what bear control steps may be taken, and how regulations around hunting bears in Florida may have to be changed.
