88-year-old Robert Markel and his dog were found dead in a remote area of Collier County, Florida. Officials believe this could be the state’s first fatal bear attack, according to Fox 4 Now and Naples Daily News.

Authorities responded around 7:07 a.m. on Monday, May 5, after Markel’s daughter reported witnessing a bear kill his dog. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Collier County Sheriff’s Office arrived to find Markel dead. His body was roughly a few hundred yards from the attack site.

Officials suspect Markel may have been killed hours earlier. “The bear involved may still be in the area,” said FWC Officer George Reynaud, urging residents to avoid the vicinity while the perimeter remained under surveillance, Fox 4 Now reported.

FWC confirmed they are using drones and ground officers to search the area, according to KHOU 11. Four bear traps were set up nearby as part of the effort to locate the animal.

Later Monday evening, a series of loud sounds preceded wildlife officers removing a dead bear from the woods, Wink News reported. The bear was transported to Gainesville for testing. DNA results are pending to determine whether it was responsible for the fatal attack.

If confirmed, Robert Markel’s case would mark Florida’s first recorded fatal bear mauling and the second serious bear encounter in the state this year.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?