A bear hunt in Florida one step closer to realization

Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is a step closer to reinstating an annual black bear hunt. In mid-May, the commission voted 4-1 to approve rule changes that would take effect during the 2025-26 hunting season. The board essentially set a 23-day black bear hunt in December, with the stated goal of the hunt removing 187 bears from the estimated bear population of 4,000 statewide currently. For the measure to be finalized, however, it will require another vote in August. Supporters applauded the decision, saying the hunt will help control the bear population, while opponents decried the measure as unnecessary and inhumane. Florida’s