The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced it has concluded its initial investigation into Florida's first deadly black bear attack in history.
Robert Markel's remains were found approximately 100 yards from his home in Jerome on Monday.
Following the attack that killed Markel, 89, and his dog , FWC killed three bears from Monday evening into Tuesday morning.
FWC said that lethal removal was required because investigators found evidence of a physical encounter between a bear and a person near the residence, the dog was recently killed by a bear near a person, and signs that a bear had entered the residence.
According to FWC, its staff killed three adult bears weighing 207, 263 and 434 pounds. There were attempts to trap a fourth bear. However, FWC was unsuccessful, but they were able to collect DNA evidence.
The three bear carcasses were taken to laboratories in Gainesville for necropsy and testing, along with DNA samples collected from physical evidence at the scene.
FWC said necropsy results revealed that the 263-pound male bear contained the partial remains of Markel. FWC also stated that the DNA results received on Friday positively identified that the bear's DNA was present on Markel, in his residence and on the dog's body.
According to FWC, all three bears were tested for rabies, and all results were negative.
If you feel threatened by a bear, observe a sick, injured, dead, or orphaned bear, or report someone who is either harming bears or intentionally feeding them, you can call FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Click here for more information on what to do if you encounter a bear in Florida.
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