Proposed bill would allow shooting of bears

Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. If a bill introduced recently for the 2024 Florida legislative session is approved, Floridians will soon be able to use lethal force against bears in self-defense. Senate Bill 632, also called the “Self-Defense Act” was introduced by Republican Senator Corey Simon, whose District 3 includes Jefferson and Madison counties. Representative Jason Shoaf, on the House side, introduced a similar bill. SB-632, if approved, would allow a person to use lethal force against a bear absent a permit or authorization if the person feels threatened and believes that the use of force is warranted for self-protection or the protection of private property. A person