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🐻 Florida’s wildlife agency voted to advance a proposed rule allowing black bear hunting to return to the state. FWC says hunting could help manage bear populations—but critics question its necessity and impact.
📍 The vote came during the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) May 2025 meeting in Ocala. A final decision is expected in August.
🗣️ The proposal has sparked public debate, with more than 13,000 comments submitted.maintenance.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted this week to advance a controversial rule proposal that could bring black bear hunting back to the state for the first time in a decade.
The decision, made at the Commission’s May 2025 meeting in Ocala, allows the proposed hunting rules to be published in the Florida Administrative Register and opens the door for additional public input. A final vote is expected in August. If approved, regulated hunting could begin during the 2025–26 season.
The move follows a December 2024 review of Florida’s Black Bear Management Plan. FWC staff say the state’s growing bear population, particularly in regions with limited habitat, could benefit from population management tools like hunting. But opponents, including animal welfare organizations and some residents, argue that non-lethal approaches such as public education and habitat protection should remain the focus.
More than 13,000 people submitted public comments via an online tool between April 2 and 20. An additional 3,900 comments came in through public meetings and other forums held this spring. While FWC has not released a full breakdown of support or opposition, the issue has generated intense debate among Floridians.
FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said during the meeting that the Commission believes hunting is a “biologically sound method” for slowing population growth. He called the black bear’s recovery a conservation success but noted the need for management to ensure long-term stability.
Under the proposal, hunting would be restricted to specific Bear Management Units (BMUs) where populations are considered highest. However, staff emphasized that hunting would not replace existing conflict prevention strategies, such as bear-resistant trash cans, neighborhood outreach, and the BearWise education program.
Opponents say the return of hunting could undercut public trust and raise ethical questions, particularly in urban-wildland interface areas where human-bear encounters are increasing.
The last sanctioned bear hunt in Florida took place in 2015 and ended early after hunters killed more bears than expected in just two days, drawing national criticism.
Residents can read the full proposal and submit feedback at MyFWC.com/BearHunting. Additional tips for avoiding conflicts with black bears are available at BearWise.org.
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