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Florida authorities are investigating an alleged bear attack that left a man and his dog dead in the southwestern part of the state, near the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, in Collier County, local media and official sources reported on Monday.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of the intersection between State Road 29 and U.S. 41, south of the protected area, near the town of Jerome.
So far, the identity of the deceased has not been revealed, reported NBC Miami.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the incident is being treated as a fatal wildlife attack, with all evidence pointing to the involvement of a black bear.
Authorities are still searching for the animal, which is believed to remain in the area: “As a precaution, we ask residents and visitors to stay alert, avoid the area, and not attempt to approach or track wild animals,” the FWC stated in a news release.
These types of attacks are extremely rare, but authorities insist that encounters between humans and bears can escalate quickly if safety recommendations are not followed.
According to the FWC, the black bear is the only bear species present in Florida, with an estimated population of around 4,050 individuals distributed throughout the state.
According to the organization, encounters between bears and humans in the state have become more frequent in recent decades, primarily due to urban expansion into areas that were once natural habitats for these animals.
However, they clarify that the presence of a bear does not pose a danger by itself, and that attacks on people are extremely rare.
The key to preventing incidents, they insist, is to keep wildlife away from sources of human food such as garbage, pet food, or bird feeders.
The man was found dead next to his dog after an emergency call to 911
The Collier County Sheriff's Office received an emergency call at 7:07 a.m. this Monday, reporting an alleged bear attack at the property located at 22777 State Road 29, in Jerome, a small community southeast of Naples.
When the authorities arrived at the scene, they found the lifeless body of the man and his dog, both with injuries indicating a brutal attack, reported .
The victim's identity has not been revealed, but the FWC confirmed that the individual is an elderly man and that the attack occurred within his residential property.
Following the discovery, the organization set up traps in the area in an attempt to capture the bear, which is believed to still be near the site of the attack.
The agency also urged residents not to attempt to track the animal and to exercise extreme caution.
According to official records, this is the second documented attack by a black bear in Florida in 2025. The first occurred in Silver Springs on February 15, when a man was attacked under similar circumstances.
The FWC also detailed that, although these animals are not territorial and do not typically attack humans, they can react aggressively if they feel surprised or if there is food nearby.
In fact, they recommend keeping garbage secured, storing pet food indoors, and avoiding any situation that could attract bears to residential areas.
Jerome, where the attack took place, is a rural area near protected regions with a high concentration of wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bear Attacks in Florida
What is known about the bear attack that left a man and his dog dead in Florida?
The attack occurred in Collier County, near the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area. A man and his dog were found dead with injuries suggesting a brutal attack by a black bear. Authorities are still searching for the responsible animal.
How often do bear attacks occur in Florida?
Bear attacks on humans in Florida are extremely rare. Although encounters between humans and bears have increased due to urban expansion, these animals are generally not aggressive unless they feel threatened or have access to human food.
What precautionary measures should residents take to avoid dangerous encounters with bears?
It is important to keep wildlife away from human food sources, such as trash and pet food. Authorities recommend securing these food items and not leaving leftovers outside to minimize encounters with bears.
What is the situation of the black bear population in Florida?
The black bear is the only bear species present in Florida, with an estimated population of around 4,050 individuals spread throughout the state. The black bear population is on the rise, leading to more frequent encounters with humans.
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