NAPLES, FL – The normally tranquil community near the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area has been shaken by an unprecedented event: a fatal bear attack resulting in the deaths of an elderly man and his dog. Robert Markle, 89, was discovered lifeless in a wooded area by his daughter, who initially witnessed the bear attacking their family pet. This marks the first lethal bear attack recorded in Florida, a state known more for its alligator encounters than bear threats.
Family members of Markle, a cancer survivor who had once battled kidney disease successfully, are left in mourning. The incident occurred just a few hundred yards from his home, casting a shadow of fear and uncertainty over the neighborhood. In response, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials have acted swiftly, setting up multiple live bear traps in an attempt to capture the animal responsible for the attack.
FWC personnel managed to capture a bear near the site of the incident, though tests are still being conducted to ascertain if it is indeed the same bear involved. Despite the rarity of such attacks—black bears in North America are known to kill less than one person annually on average—the tragedy has prompted a reevaluation of wildlife management strategies in Florida.
This incident is not isolated, as it follows another bear attack that occurred just over a week ago in Sanford, Florida. In that case, a woman successfully used a bag of cookies to distract a bear and escape unharmed with her dog. These events have reignited discussions around the state’s plan to manage its bear population through controlled hunting.
The FWC has confirmed its intention to proceed with a scheduled bear hunt in December, aiming to cull 187 bears from Florida’s estimated population of 4,000. The decision has sparked debate, with opponents fearing it could further deplete the already declining bear numbers. The last bear hunt in Florida, intended to last a month, was abruptly halted after only two days due to high kill counts, highlighting the contentious nature of wildlife management in the region.
As the community grapples with the loss and the state prepares for the upcoming hunt, the FWC continues to emphasize its commitment to public safety and wildlife conservation. With drones and ground teams deployed, officials remain vigilant, prepared to handle any further encounters.
The draft proposal for the bear hunt is expected to be available for public review soon, potentially opening another chapter in the ongoing dialogue about balancing human safety with ecological preservation.