Authorities are investigating the death of a person found Monday in a rural area east of Naples in what they described as a possible bear attack. An elderly man and a dog were killed in the incident.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a possible bear encounter shortly after 7 a.m. Deputies arrived about an hour later and located one deceased person.
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is assisting the sheriff's office with the investigation. Authorities are searching for the bear, identified as a black bear, and have warned the public to remain vigilant and avoid the area near Jerome, just south of Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.
According to data from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, this incident, if confirmed as a bear attack, would be the second bear mauling in Florida in 2025. FWC data indicates at least 15 bear attacks have occurred in the state since November 2020 involving the presence of dogs.
The previous black bear attack in Collier County happened on January 9, 2018, when a bear attacked a man in his backyard while he was with his dog.
Despite recent incidents, bear attacks remain relatively uncommon across the United States and worldwide. Statistics compiled by the World Animal Foundation suggest the chance of being attacked by a bear is low. The North American Bear Center states that most attacks by black bears are defensive reactions.
This incident occurs as Florida wildlife officials consider a return of a state bear hunt. The proposed hunt for 2025 included plans for 55 permits in Lee, Collier, and Hendry counties.
Wildlife officials held virtual public feedback meetings in April regarding the proposal. The stated goals of regulated hunting are to manage species population numbers and maintain a healthy population.
The last black bear hunt in Florida was a decade ago and was halted after two days when nearly 300 bears were killed. State officials estimate the current black bear population in Florida exceeds 4,000.
Arielle Callender, the public information officer for the South Region office of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, said officers were investigating the scene as an "active crime scene."
