Latest news with #RobertMarkel
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Florida's Proposed Bear Hunt Pits Science Versus Emotion
Florida's black bear population has risen from a few hundred animals in the 1970s to more than 4,000 ... More today. After years of bear population increases and growing numbers of human-bear conflicts, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted 4-1 last May to open a limited bear hunt for the first time since 2015. Not surprisingly, the proposed season has sparked a backlash from anti-hunting groups and underscores the ongoing debate in some states about who should manage wildlife: residents in largely urban centers with little to no background in wildlife issues or the professionals of state fish and wildlife agencies? While the answer may seem obvious, emotionally charged campaigns backing statewide referendums looking to close hunting seasons have clouded the role of some state fish and wildlife agencies. Between 2002 and 2015, Florida bear populations expanded by 50 percent according to state assessments. At the same time, the black bear range grew from 17 percent of the state's landmass to more than half of it. Moreover, bear populations in Florida have risen from merely several hundred in the 1970s to more than 4,000 today. With that has come a growing number of complaints from residents. In 2023 alone, FWC received some 3,000 calls regarding nuisance bears. While a hunting season may not address complaints in residential areas, it's likely to help alleviate conflicts in more rural counties of the state where hunting will impact both bear populations and behavior. It's not uncommon for bears that aren't hunted to become habituated to human activity, often lacking a general fear of man. Officers investigate the scene where Florida's first ever fatal bear attack occurred last May. Shortly before the May FWC vote was taken, a black bear killed 89-year-old Florida resident Robert Markel and his dog near the town of Jerome—the state's first ever black bear fatality. The FWC confirmed the attack and identified the bear, finding DNA evidence and some of Markel's remains inside the bear that was one of three animals killed by state authorities the night Markel's body was recovered. In February, another black bear attack occurred near Silver Springs, Florida, but in this instance the victim survived. Despite the preponderance of evidence justifying a limited bear hunt—not the least of which is public safety--animal rights groups in the state have launched campaigns to disrupt the proposed hunt. One of those groups is Speak Up Wekiva, a greater Orlando-based nonprofit that was created to oppose the state's bear hunt in 2015. The group is encouraging residents to apply for as many of the 187 available bear tags as possible. Wekiva's website features a black bear cub on its home page with the caption, 'If you love me, buy the permit that will be used to hunt me…'. Never mind that no cubs nor sows with cubs are allowed to be hunted under the proposed rules. In fact, no bears under 100 pounds can be legally taken. Moreover, the number of tags isn't random but is based on well-established black bear population models. If the target number of bears isn't taken, the state logically will up the allotment of tags. Many states issue more tags than would likely be needed to take a target number of animals, but when the quota is hit, they simply close the season to prevent taking too many animals. Apparently, that management reality is lost on Wekiva. To further underscore the general flaw in the Wekiva ad, the greatest threat to bear cubs comes from bruins. A male bear will often kill the cubs of other bears to induce the sow to come back into estrus, the breeding cycle. While well, grisly, it is nature's way of diversifying the gene pool to guarantee survival of the fittest and, in the end, the species itself. A FWC researcher collects black bear hair to conduct DNA studies. Kodiak Island, Alaska, for instance, is home to the highest density of brown bears in the world—not despite the hunting that takes place there, but because of it. Hunt a limited number of mature bruins and that guarantees the survival of more cubs. In other words, the Wekiva ad featuring the cub could more accurately say, 'If you love me, allow the hunt to continue." The reality is that with an estimated 4,000 bears in the population, even if all tags were filled, it would not stop the growth of the state's bear population. Thus, the biggest question facing the FWC might simply be: what liability will they incur should they fail to enact the hunt at the request of the agency and more attacks on humans occur? Ultimately, wildlife commissions have a responsibility to all state citizens—not simply the most vocal. FWC employs more than 2,000 full-time fish and wildlife experts, with many possessing advanced degrees. 'FWC has incredibly talented and experienced bear biologists and researchers, who have provided Florida with some of, if not, the best black bear data in the country,' says George Warthen, FWC Chief Conservation Officer who has been with the agency for 15 years. 'This data is at the forefront of the decisions the FWC makes in managing bear populations in the state.' 'The actions of Animal Rights groups often have less to do with what benefits wildlife than what it does to line their own pockets,' says Jack Hubbard, Executive Director of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Environment and Welfare. 'These groups have a long history of using emotionally charged imagery and rhetoric to raise money—often with very little evidence that the funds they raise ever do much to help animals.' Review the successes and failures of wildlife management strategies across the globe and it's difficult not to conclude that the model of hunter-funded conservation is the most viable and sustainable method that's yet to be employed. This approach came of age following the ecological calamity of the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and remains the planet's most successful conservation approach. Ultimately, however, the question facing the FWC is simple: Follow science…or emotion?
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Florida bear attack victim dragged from ransacked camper in deadly mauling, 911 calls reveal
Editor's note: A previous version of this story indicated the wrong relationship between Sue Story and Robert Markel. 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@ 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@ This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Bear attack in Florida: Man dragged from camper in fatal mauling
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bears in Alabama? They're few, protected, and tracked with your help. Here's what to know
The death of a Florida man on May 5 in Florida's first recorded fatal bear attack is shining a spotlight on bear safety concerns across the southeast, including Alabama. Robert Markel, an 89-year-old, and his dog were killed in the attack. The bear has been identified and was shot. Florida officials say that a post-mortem examination of the bear led to officials finding partial remains of Markel in the bear's body. Alabama's black bear population remains small but steady, with fewer than 500 individuals estimated to roam the state's forests and swamps. These secretive animals are rarely seen in the dense woodlands of north Alabama or the more remote areas. Wildlife officials rely more than ever on public sightings to keep tabs on this elusive species. Here's what we know about their numbers, where they live and how you can help track them. According to Alabama wildlife officials, fewer than 500 black bears live in Alabama. About 250 roam the northern part of the state, 150 are in the south, and a few more are scattered elsewhere. As bear populations grow in nearby states, some are crossing into Alabama and could be settling in permanently. There is no traditional large-scale tagging system for the bears of Alabama. Still, officials encourage the public to report bear sightings to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' black bear observation site. According to the Outdoor Alabama website, the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division is collaborating with Auburn University to use data collected to track their population size, density, demographics and more to help with management practices of the state's bears. To report a sighting, you'll first enter your name, address and contact information. On the next screen, you'll describe what you saw: a bear, tracks, fur or something else. You can also upload photos, send out the GPS coordinates and give directions to where the sighting happened. The system is constantly updated as new sightings come in from the public, helping officials track Alabama's bear population in real time. Black bears in Alabama are protected by law, though they aren't considered endangered. Because of their protected status, there's no open hunting season. While seeing a bear might feel alarming, actual conflicts, like damage to a person or property, are uncommon. To help keep it that way, wildlife officials encourage residents to follow BearWise, a program that teaches people how to live responsibly where bears can be present. This includes tips like securing trash, removing bird feeders, never feeding bears and so on. Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@ This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Are there bears in Alabama? Few, but your sighting helps track them
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man, 89, and his dog mauled to death by black bear in state's first fatal attack
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Friday confirmed a man and his dog were mauled to death by a black bear in Jerome — marking the first fatal black bear attack in state history. Family members reported 89-year-old Robert Markel missing from his home and "signs of recent disturbances" that could have been caused by a bear or bears around the property. The Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) notified FWC staff on Monday of a possible fatal wildlife encounter, and FWC law enforcement and bear management staff immediately responded to secure the area. Young Kangaroo Hops Around Florida Town After Brazen Escape, Owner Charged Markel's remains were found about 100 yards from his home, along with evidence of a "physical encounter" between a bear and a person near the house, according to a news release from the FWC. Officials also noted a dog was recently killed by a bear near a person, and there were signs that a bear had entered the home itself. Read On The Fox News App Nih Closes Experimentation Labs Accused Of Brutally Killing Thousands Of Beagles For 40+ Years While the exact sequence of events remains unclear, the FWC's Human-Bear Conflict Response Policies and Guidelines outline how the agency should respond when faced with situations that require the removal of a bear for public safety. From Monday night into early Tuesday morning, FWC personnel killed three adult male bears weighing 207, 263 and 434 pounds, according to the release. There was an unsuccessful attempt to trap a fourth bear, but DNA evidence was collected, officials said. The three carcasses were immediately taken to laboratories in Gainesville for necropsy and testing, along with DNA samples collected from physical evidence at the scene. FWC officials said the Collier County Medical Examiner is still in the process of completing their investigation, but indicated Markel's preliminary cause of death was "consistent with injuries caused by a black bear." World's Tallest, Shortest Dogs Meet For Precious Playdate Caught On Camera Necropsy results revealed that one bear, the 263-pound male, contained partial remains of Markel. DNA results received on Friday positively identified that the 263-pound male's DNA was present on Markel, inside his home and on the dog's body. The only bear DNA found at the scene matched the three bears that were killed by authorities. All three bears were tested for rabies, and all results were negative, according to officials. FWC law enforcement and bear management staff stayed in contact with the family and maintained a presence near the property until Friday, spotting only one additional bear in the area. Law enforcement and bear management staff will remain throughout the weekend. Pittsburgh Funeral Director Charged With Swindling Pet Owners, Dumping Pets' Remains In Landfill "We want to thank the family for their cooperation as they navigate this challenging time, and our thoughts remain with them," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "I am proud of our staff's professional response and support for the family as they faced an unfathomable event this week." Jerome is in the South Bear Management Unit, which has the third-largest population of bears in the state, estimated at 1,044 in 2015. The FWC received 16 bear-related calls within a 10-mile radius of nearby Copeland between May 5, 2024, and May 4, 2025, resulting in five site visits, five capture efforts, three bears that were relocated and hazed, and one bear that was humanely killed, according to the FWC. While it is rare for wild black bears to injure people in Florida, people have been bitten and scratched by bears, most often when there are cubs, food sources or dogs present. The FWC receives an average of 6,300 bear-related calls annually and has documented 42 prior incidents where wild black bears have made physical contact with people since the 1970s, when comprehensive records began being kept. Of those, three resulted in serious injuries requiring medical attention prior to the most recent article source: Florida man, 89, and his dog mauled to death by black bear in state's first fatal attack
Fox News
11-05-2025
- Fox News
Florida man, 89, and his dog mauled to death by black bear in state's first fatal attack
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Friday confirmed a man and his dog were mauled to death by a black bear in Jerome — marking the first fatal black bear attack in state history. Family members reported 89-year-old Robert Markel missing from his home and "signs of recent disturbances" that could have been caused by a bear or bears around the property. The Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) notified FWC staff on Monday of a possible fatal wildlife encounter, and FWC law enforcement and bear management staff immediately responded to secure the area. Markel's remains were found about 100 yards from his home, along with evidence of a "physical encounter" between a bear and a person near the house, according to a news release from the FWC. Officials also noted a dog was recently killed by a bear near a person, and there were signs that a bear had entered the home itself. While the exact sequence of events remains unclear, the FWC's Human-Bear Conflict Response Policies and Guidelines outline how the agency should respond when faced with situations that require the removal of a bear for public safety. From Monday night into early Tuesday morning, FWC personnel killed three adult male bears weighing 207, 263 and 434 pounds, according to the release. There was an unsuccessful attempt to trap a fourth bear, but DNA evidence was collected, officials said. The three carcasses were immediately taken to laboratories in Gainesville for necropsy and testing, along with DNA samples collected from physical evidence at the scene. FWC officials said the Collier County Medical Examiner is still in the process of completing their investigation, but indicated Markel's preliminary cause of death was "consistent with injuries caused by a black bear." Necropsy results revealed that one bear, the 263-pound male, contained partial remains of Markel. DNA results received on Friday positively identified that the 263-pound male's DNA was present on Markel, inside his home and on the dog's body. The only bear DNA found at the scene matched the three bears that were killed by authorities. All three bears were tested for rabies, and all results were negative, according to officials. FWC law enforcement and bear management staff stayed in contact with the family and maintained a presence near the property until Friday, spotting only one additional bear in the area. Law enforcement and bear management staff will remain throughout the weekend. "We want to thank the family for their cooperation as they navigate this challenging time, and our thoughts remain with them," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "I am proud of our staff's professional response and support for the family as they faced an unfathomable event this week." Jerome is in the South Bear Management Unit, which has the third-largest population of bears in the state, estimated at 1,044 in 2015. The FWC received 16 bear-related calls within a 10-mile radius of nearby Copeland between May 5, 2024, and May 4, 2025, resulting in five site visits, five capture efforts, three bears that were relocated and hazed, and one bear that was humanely killed, according to the FWC. While it is rare for wild black bears to injure people in Florida, people have been bitten and scratched by bears, most often when there are cubs, food sources or dogs present. The FWC receives an average of 6,300 bear-related calls annually and has documented 42 prior incidents where wild black bears have made physical contact with people since the 1970s, when comprehensive records began being kept. Of those, three resulted in serious injuries requiring medical attention prior to the most recent incident.
