Jacksonville, Florida, December 17, 2025
Environmental organizations in Florida are advocating for transparency regarding the ongoing bear hunt, which has not disclosed the number of bears killed. The hunt, marking the state’s first in a decade, began on December 6, raising concerns over wildlife management. Legal actions have been initiated by various groups to put a halt to the hunt, while financial incentives are being offered to reduce the number of bears harvested. The situation highlights the tension between wildlife conservation and management practices.
Environmental Groups Demand Transparency in Florida’s Ongoing Bear Hunt
Jacksonville, Florida – Environmental organizations are calling for transparency in Florida’s current bear hunt, which began on December 6, 2025. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has not publicly disclosed the number of bears killed, prompting concerns among conservationists.
Environmental Groups Seek Information
The Florida chapter of the Sierra Club has expressed concerns over the lack of public information regarding the hunt’s progress. They emphasize the public’s right to know the number of bears killed and the locations of these incidents. This call for transparency follows the 2015 hunt, which was abruptly halted after nearly 300 bears were killed in the first two days, raising questions about the hunt’s management and oversight.
Public Response and Legal Actions
In response to the hunt, various environmental groups have taken legal action to halt the proceedings. A Leon County circuit judge recently denied a request for a temporary injunction to stop the hunt, allowing it to continue as planned. Despite these efforts, the hunt remains underway, with environmental advocates continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Background on the Bear Hunt
This hunt marks Florida’s first bear hunt in a decade. The FWC approved the hunt in August 2025, citing a rising bear population and increasing human-bear interactions as justifications. The hunt is scheduled to last three weeks, with a quota of 172 bears to be killed across four designated regions. The FWC has stated that hunting is a proven method for controlling wildlife populations and managing human-bear conflicts. However, the decision has been met with significant opposition from wildlife advocates, who argue that the hunt could negatively impact the bear population and the state’s biodiversity.
Efforts to Influence the Hunt
In an attempt to reduce the number of bears killed, organizations like Bear Warriors United have offered financial incentives to permit holders who agree not to use their tags. This initiative aims to decrease the number of bears harvested during the hunt, reflecting the ongoing debate over the hunt’s necessity and ethical considerations.
Conclusion
The call for transparency in Florida’s bear hunt underscores the ongoing tension between wildlife conservation efforts and wildlife management practices. As the hunt progresses, environmental groups continue to advocate for public access to information and the consideration of alternative methods for managing bear populations.
Why are environmental groups calling for transparency in Florida’s bear hunt?
Environmental groups are calling for transparency to ensure the public is informed about the number of bears killed and the locations of these incidents during the hunt. This follows concerns from the 2015 hunt, which was halted after nearly 300 bears were killed in the first two days, raising questions about the hunt’s management and oversight.
What legal actions have been taken against the bear hunt?
Environmental groups have filed lawsuits seeking to halt the hunt. A Leon County circuit judge recently denied a request for a temporary injunction to stop the hunt, allowing it to continue as planned. Despite these efforts, the hunt remains underway, with environmental advocates continuing to monitor the situation closely.
What is the background of Florida’s current bear hunt?
This hunt marks Florida’s first bear hunt in a decade. The FWC approved the hunt in August 2025, citing a rising bear population and increasing human-bear interactions as justifications. The hunt is scheduled to last three weeks, with a quota of 172 bears to be killed across four designated regions. The FWC has stated that hunting is a proven method for controlling wildlife populations and managing human-bear conflicts. However, the decision has been met with significant opposition from wildlife advocates, who argue that the hunt could negatively impact the bear population and the state’s biodiversity.
What efforts have been made to influence the outcome of the bear hunt?
Organizations like Bear Warriors United have offered financial incentives to permit holders who agree not to use their tags. This initiative aims to decrease the number of bears harvested during the hunt, reflecting the ongoing debate over the hunt’s necessity and ethical considerations.
What is the current status of Florida’s bear hunt?
The bear hunt is currently underway, with environmental groups continuing to advocate for transparency and alternative methods for managing bear populations. The FWC has not publicly disclosed the number of bears killed, prompting ongoing concerns among conservationists.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | December 6, 2025 |
| Duration | Three weeks |
| Quota | 172 bears |
| Designated Regions | Four regions across Florida |
| Environmental Concerns | Lack of transparency and potential impact on bear population |
| Legal Actions | Environmental groups filed lawsuits; injunction denied |
| Public Response | Calls for transparency and alternative management methods |
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