89-Year-Old Florida Man and His Pet Dog Killed in Suspected Bear Mauling: Reports

• An 89-year-old Florida man and his pet dog were killed in a suspected bear mauling on Monday, May 5
• The man has been identified as Robert Markel, according to local news outlets
• A dead black bear has since been sent for testing amid what could be the first fatal mauling in Florida’s history since records began

A man and his pet dog have been found dead after a suspected bear mauling that could mark the first fatal attack in Florida history.

At around 7:07 a.m. local time on Monday, May 5, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a call at a property in a remote part of Collier County near Everglades City, local outlets Fox 4 Now and Naples Daily News reported.

The daughter of Robert Markel informed officials that she witnessed a bear kill her father’s dog. Investigators then found 89-year-old Markel’s body “a couple hundred yards away,” as they searched the area, according to the outlets. 

FWC officials suspect that Markel — who lived alone on the property with his dog — may have been killed hours before they received the call. 

“The bear involved may still be in the area as our officers continue to secure the perimeter,” said FWC Officer George Reynaud in a statement, per Fox 4 Now. “Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid the area,” he added.

Officials confirmed in a press conference that they were using drones and officers on the ground to search the area following the fatal attack, per KHOU 11.

They added that they are awaiting the results of DNA testing to confirm if a black bear caused Markel’s death.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Markel,” Reynaud said, per Fox 4 Now. “At this time, we have deployed four live bear traps around the vicinity of where the incident occurred in an attempt to capture this bear,” he added.

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A cluster of loud pops was allegedly heard shortly before 9 p.m. on Monday, with wildlife officials hauling a dead bear from the woods moments later, according to Naples Daily News.

Officials confirmed to the outlet that the dead bear would be brought to Gainesville for testing.

If found responsible for Markel’s death, it would be the first fatal bear attack in Florida since records began and the second bear mauling statewide this year, Naples Daily News and CBS Miami reported.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the FWC did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on May 6.