Florida bear attack victim dragged from ransacked camper in deadly mauling, 911 calls reveal
When Sue Story found her grandfather's dog being mauled in her front yard and no sign of Robert Markel, she told authorities something was not right.
According to an incident report from the Collier County Sheriff's Office, Story, 65, told authorities a bear killed the dog, but she could not find Markel, 89.
Story told authorities that when she went to check Markel's camper, also on her property, he was not there. The last time she saw her grandfather was about 7:30 p.m. May 4, the night before.
When she spoke with authorities, Story told them Markel's camper was "in disarray."
When a responding sheriff's deputy checked the trailer, as described in the report, the mattress was off the bed and items were scattered throughout the trailer.
The sheriff's deputy indicated he did not find blood in the trailer.
Then, approximately 20 yards from the trailer, in nearby woods, he said authorities found a wallet, pants and a T-shirt that "appeared to be saturated in blood."
When officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrived, they found Markel's body approximately 100 yards from the trailer.
FWC announcement: FWC takes bears for DNA analysis after deadly attack kills man, dog in rural Collier County
Dirt and leaves covered Markel's remains, the report states.
Authorities said it is the first time in recorded Florida history a black bear has killed a human.
During a May 6 press conference, authorities said officials were working to find the bear, with three already killed and taken to Gainesville for DNA analysis.
Officials also said Markel and the dog were home alone during the incident and that Markel likely died two hours before the dog.
Officers continue to set traps and search for bears.
Authorities received two 911 calls as bystanders became aware of the canine's mauling.
"He's already killed a dog," the first of two callers, identifying as a grandson of Markel and his father, reported, later adding that, "One of the bears is still here."
The caller then warned the dispatcher he was venturing out to search for the bear.
"I'm putting my clothes on and I'm taking my gun," the caller said. "I'm gonna go look for this bear."
The caller said they did not know how long Markel has been gone. During a second call, which lasted 20 minutes, he said they saw a bear grab and maul the dog.
The 911 dispatcher asked if Markel could have run away.
"He's 89. He literally can't walk," the caller said.
The caller said the bears frequent the area, grab the nearby trash and "all of the sudden decided to take him."
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez.
Tayeba Hussein is a breaking news reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You may email her at THussein@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Bear attack in Florida: Man dragged from camper in fatal mauling
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