On May 21st, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will consider a potential bear hunt. A proposal will be submitted for public review, and a final decision is expected in August.
The proposed hunt would allow for the harvest of 187 bears across 31 counties in the month of December, with permits awarded through a random drawing. The proposal has sparked both support and opposition.
Supporters argue Florida black bear hunts are used as a tool for managing the growing bear population and addressing human-bear conflicts. FWC points out that bear populations have grown to five times above minimum population objectives, suggesting the need for population control.
“A regulated hunt could help reduce overcrowding in areas where bear populations are high, potentially leading to fewer conflicts with humans and other bears,” said FWC.
Advocates also say that revenue generated from bear hunting permits could be used for land acquisition, habitat restoration, and other conservation efforts
However, one group raised concerns about the impact on the bear population and the ethics of hunting.
Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, is advocating for FWC to use “alternative management strategies.”
Humane World for Animals just released a poll they conducted that 81% of resident voters oppose reopening the bear-hunting season in Florida.
“The proposed season would not only reinstate bear hunting but also allow controversial, cruel methods such as hounding—in which packs of dogs are unleashed to chase bears—and baiting, in which hunters use food to lure bears into shooting range. In the poll, voters soundly rejected both practices: 89% oppose hounding and 86% oppose baiting,” the group posted.
The group said their polling found that 81% of Floridians want humane solutions to bear-human conflicts and want to see the state prioritize effective, humane non-lethal methods rather than killing bears.
The FWC commissioners will vote on the final decision in August 2025.
