Three Bears Euthanized Following Fatal Attack on Man, Dog in Collier County

In rural Collier County, Florida, wildlife officials killed three black bears after an attack that left 89-year-old resident Robert Markel and his dog dead. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded by securing the area with traps and cameras, while DNA samples from the bears and the scene were sent to a Gainesville lab to determine if any of the animals were directly involved. The FWC advised the public to avoid the area and remain vigilant as investigations continue, citing a rise in the state's black bear population and increasing human-bear encounters. Although fatal bear attacks on humans are extremely rare in Florida, experts attribute conflicts to factors such as unsecured trash, habitat encroachment, and frequent bear-dog confrontations. The incident has reignited debate over proposals for regulated black bear hunts to control the growing population, with advocates split over the effectiveness and ethics of such measures. Officials stress the importance of preventive measures and education for those living in bear-prone areas.