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Florida Considers Resuming Black Bear Hunt Amid Protests

News Summary

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is set to discuss reintroducing a black bear hunt for the first time in a decade. A proposal allowing 187 bears to be hunted has sparked protests from animal rights activists. The hunt, if approved, would run in designated areas for three weeks in December. Past hunts have raised concerns over bear population management, particularly after recent incidents involving bears in urban settings. Activists argue against the necessity of the hunt, stressing ethical implications and current bear population figures.

Jacksonville, Florida – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) is set to discuss the potential reimplementation of a black bear hunt, which would mark the first such event in ten years. The meeting scheduled for May 21 will consider a proposal that permits up to 187 black bear kills in December, raising significant concerns and sparking protests from animal rights activists statewide.

If approved, the proposed hunt would allow for a three-week period during which hunting would be restricted to designated Bear Hunting Zones. The FWC’s previous black bear hunt in 2015 ended abruptly when hunters killed 304 bears in just two days, reaching a quota of 320 bears. The new hunt proposal includes modifications to the permit system; instead of offering permits for unrestricted sale, they would now be awarded through a lottery process.

The urgency of the FWC’s discussions comes in light of recent events that have intensified the debate over bear hunting. Notably, two black bear sightings occurred, along with a deadly bear attack in Collier County, prompting discussions about bear management in urban areas. Supporters of the proposed hunt argue that it is necessary to control bear populations that have been increasingly encroaching on residential territories, especially as urban development has eroded their natural habitats.

In November, a voter-approved measure also enshrining hunting and fishing rights into Florida’s constitution has added another layer to the ongoing debate. However, bear activists, such as those from organizations like One Protest, argue that the hunt is primarily a form of trophy hunting and that it is unnecessary given the current bear population status.

The FWC’s consideration of reinstating a bear hunt reflects a broader trend in wildlife management discussions across the nation, where the balance between conservation and hunting rights is often contested. In the case of Florida, black bear populations have rebounded significantly from a few hundred in the 1970s to over 4,000 by 2015 when they were removed from the state’s threatened species list.

Activists plan to protest the potential bear hunt with events in both Jacksonville and St. Augustine this weekend. The Jacksonville protest will occur at Park Street in Riverside on Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm, while the St. Augustine event will take place simultaneously at Cathedral Place. These protests are intended to voice opposition to the proposed hunt and raise public awareness of the perceived ethical implications surrounding hunting practices.

The FWC is currently accepting comments and input from the public regarding the proposed bear hunt. Should the proposal receive approval, more specific details will be finalized before including the final vote set for August. With polarizing opinions on both sides, the upcoming discussions are expected to spotlight the complexities of wildlife management and conservation in Florida.