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FWC Weighs 'Bear Hunt' as People on Both Sides Speak Out
- On May 21, 2025, a meeting took place in Ocala where the state wildlife agency considered proposals to reinstate a black bear hunting season across Florida.
- The proposal to restart bear hunting follows a decade-long pause and increased bear encounters, including a recent fatal attack on an 89-year-old man.
- FWC staff presented a plan for a limited December bear season with permits issued by random draw in designated zones based on bear population data.
- Richardson described the planned hunt as a "conservative, well-regulated bear hunt," aiming to manage populations sustainably while responding to public input exceeding 10,000 comments.
- The discussion sparked strong reactions statewide, with supporters citing scientific backing for population control and opponents organizing "Defend the Bears" protests.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Florida Black Bear Hunt Passes At FWC Meeting : NorthEscambia.com
An annual black bear hunt took another step forward Wednesday at a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Ocala. The proposed hunt passed 4-1 on Wednesday to set the hunt for 23 this December, but a final vote will be required in August. The hunt will allow 187 bears to be removed from the state’s [...]
FWC advances proposal for first Florida bear hunt in a decade
The real problem, according to hunting critics: unsecured trash cans. (Photo via FWC) The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) gave preliminary approval Wednesday for the first bear hunt in Florida in nearly a decade, to take place later this year. Commissioners will return for a final vote in August. Their decision followed several hours of comments both for and against the FWC’s proposed rules for a 23-day bear hunt, tentati…
Despite backlash, FWC approves controversial bear hunts in Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to bring back bear hunts in the state. Commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of the bear hunt during a meeting in Ocala Wednesday. FWC staff proposed a December bear hunt to manage the number of bears in Florida, which the commission says is about 4,000. The last hunt was in 2015 and ended early after a higher-than-expected number of bears were killed. Many spoke against the initiative, in…
Despite pushback from animal rights advocates, Florida officials moving forward with planned bear hunt in December
Amid support from hunters and warnings of a “slaughter” from animal-rights advocates, state wildlife officials Wednesday moved forward with Florida’s first black bear hunt in a decade.
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