Florida To Resume Black Bear Hunting For First Time In A Decade

 

For the first time in ten years, Florida will allow black bear hunting, following a unanimous vote this month by the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The decision comes amid both strong support and significant opposition from conservation and animal rights groups.

The move follows last November’s landslide passage of a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to fish and hunt. Until now, Florida was one of just six states that did not permit bear hunting.

Opposition and Public Debate

During a May FWC meeting, more than 160 people signed up to speak on the proposed hunt, with a majority voicing opposition. Animal welfare advocates argued that the decision could harm bear populations and set a dangerous precedent.

“This is not conservation,” said Nicole Cordano, director of Bear Defenders, who criticized the approval of controversial methods such as baiting, hounding, and archery, and the removal of check stations that once ensured oversight.

Commission’s Rationale

The commission defended its decision, calling hunting an “important and effective tool” for managing wildlife. Officials warned that if the state’s bear population continues to grow at its current pace, habitat may become insufficient in the future.

Florida black bears were once listed as a threatened species in 1974, leading to a statewide hunting ban in 1994. Since then, only one hunting season—in 2015—has been allowed. That year, hunters killed 304 bears in just two days, including six taken illegally.

Growing Bear Population and Expanded Habitat

FWC estimates there are now about 4,000 black bears in Florida, up from just a few hundred three decades ago. Their range now covers more than half the state, triple the territory recorded in 1992.

Supporters of the hunt point to increased human-bear encounters as both human and bear populations expand.

New Rules and Timeline

The new regulations create four bear hunting zones and allow a variety of methods, including archery and the use of dogs. Permits will be issued through a lottery system, and the hunting season will begin in December.

Last year, Florida also passed a law allowing residents to kill bears if they believe one poses an imminent threat to people or property.

The updated hunting rules will take effect September 1.