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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that as of this Wednesday, the process for applying for black bear hunting permits has reopened, a practice that had been suspended for a decade.
Hunting of up to 187 specimens will be permitted as part of a plan to control the population growth of this species.
According to the agency EFE, the FWC justified this measure as a tool included in its 2019 Black Bear Management Plan, which aims to prevent conflicts between humans and bears.
Biologists from the organization estimate that there are currently about 4,000 specimens in the state.
"I am proud that Florida is joining the majority of states that manage black bears through regulated hunting," stated FWC President Rodney Barreto.
Authorities note an increase in encounters between bears and humans, including the first fatal attack recorded in Florida, which occurred last May when a bear killed an 89-year-old man in Collier County.
But not everyone agrees. Conservation organizations and animal rights activists labeled the measure as unnecessary and cruel.
Furthermore, they question the lack of a recent census and warn about the risk to the species' recovery, which was removed from the list of endangered species in 2012.
The hunting regulations prohibit the capture of cubs or females with cubs and limit the practice to areas with a high density of bears. It also restricts the use of trained dogs, which will only be allowed gradually until 2027.
Permits can be requested from September 12 to 22, at a cost of 100 dollars for residents and 300 dollars for non-residents, plus a processing fee of five dollars.
Only 10% of the permits will be allocated to individuals who do not reside in Florida.
The hunting season will be from December 6 to December 28, through a lottery system and within specific management units.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bear Hunting in Florida
Why has Florida authorized black bear hunting after a decade?
The hunting of black bears has been authorized as part of a plan to control the population growth of this species and prevent conflicts between humans and bears. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) believes that regulated hunting is a necessary management tool due to the increase in encounters between bears and people, including a recent fatal attack in the state.
How many bears will be allowed to be hunted in Florida and what are the conditions?
The hunting of up to 187 black bears will be allowed in Florida. Hunting will be restricted to areas with high bear density and prohibits capturing cubs or females with cubs. Additionally, the use of trained dogs will be restricted until 2027, and a permit is required, costing 100 dollars for residents and 300 dollars for non-residents.
What are the criticisms of bear hunting in Florida?
Conservation organizations and activists have described the measure as unnecessary and cruel, arguing that it lacks scientific merit. They point out the absence of a recent census and warn about the risks to the species' recovery. Furthermore, they denounce that the initiative could be seen as "trophy hunting" without scientific basis.
When will the bear hunting season take place in Florida?
The bear hunting season in Florida will be from December 6 to 28. Permits will be granted by lottery, and hunting will take place within specific management units, ensuring control over how the activity is conducted.
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