After an initial vote to advance a black bear trophy hunt in Florida, people are acting to protect bears and push back politically.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-1 in a preliminary vote to advance a black bear trophy hunt in Florida, with a final decision this August. This move comes despite overwhelming public opposition. In fact, at the May FWC meeting, 115 people spoke against the hunt, more than twice as many as those who supported it.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is working on a plan to issue 187 permits to harvest black bears in mid-December, according to reports. A permit allows the harvest of one bear. There are an estimated 4,003 bears in fragmented habitats across Florida.
A poll revealed that 81% of resident voters oppose reopening the bear–hunting season in Florida.
“Majorities across all demographics—political affiliation, region and ideology—oppose the hunt, signaling that support for Florida’s black bear conservation is stronger than ever. Floridians have spoken loud and clear. They want science-based, humane solutions that protect bears and communities, not a cruel, senseless trophy hunt,” said Kate MacFall, Florida state director at Humane World for Animals (formerly called the Humane Society of the United States). “At a time when public opinion is deeply divided on so many issues, it is extraordinary to see Floridians come together with such overwhelming agreement to protect their bears. Ignoring this is bad policy and a slap in the face to the very public the Commission is charged with serving.”
Sierra Club Florida issued the following statement on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s decision to advance a statewide black bear hunt — the first since 2015 — despite the widespread public opposition, outdated data, and no sound scientific basis.
“This is a reckless and premature decision that flies in the face of science, public trust, and responsible wildlife governance,” said Susannah Randolph, Chapter Director of Sierra Club Florida. “The Commission’s own biologists didn’t recommend a hunt in December, and there is nothing in the state’s current Black Bear Management Plan to justify one now. This vote puts Florida’s conservation legacy — and our bears — at risk. Floridians want a science-based, conservation-first approach to bear management. This decision reflects political pressure, not ecological necessity or public will. We’re grateful to Commissioner Steve Hudson for standing up for science and voting no.”
You can sign and share the petition to stop the black bear trophy hunt in Florida online.
Activists have promised more statewide protests are coming soon. “We’re calling on all wildlife advocates, nature lovers, and passionate Floridians to get ready for another peaceful, statewide protest this August,” Bear Defenders posted. “Many of you stood with us in 2015 and 2016 — now it’s time to rise together again. Our bears need us more than ever.”
