FWC Proposes December Black Bear Hunt Amid Rising Concerns

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Florida — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering a black bear hunt scheduled for December in response to a rapidly growing bear population. This proposal comes on the heels of a recent tragic incident that marked a historic first for the state: a black bear attacked and killed an individual.

Recent Tragedy Sparks Debate

On May 5, an 89-year-old man was killed by a bear in Collier County while walking his dog, escalating concerns about human-bear interactions in Florida.

Upcoming FWC Meeting and Proposed Regulations

The FWC is set to hold a meeting on May 21 and 22 in Ocala, where it will discuss potential regulations for the proposed hunt. A vote on these regulations is anticipated in August. The commission is contemplating the issuance of 187 hunting permits, with each permit allowing for the harvest of one bear.

Public Sentiment and Opposition

Critics, such as Chuck O’Neal, president of Speak Up Wekiva, are voicing strong opposition to the proposed hunt. O’Neal argues that decisions made in the immediate aftermath of such tragedies could be driven by emotion rather than reasoned consideration. He expressed concern over the potential consequences of reopening the bear hunting season, stating, “In order to bring it back, they’re going to have to override public opinion, and the only way they do it is to surf off this tragedy.”

Concerns About Hunting Methods

O’Neal highlighted specific hunting methods under consideration, which some find to be inhumane, including the use of bait and dog assistance in hunting. He remarked, “Hunting bears with dogs is going to lead to dogs coming in after bears into subdivisions and ripping them apart, and I don’t think anyone in subdivisions like this wants to see that happen.”

Historical Context

The last bear hunting season in Florida was in 2015, and since then, the bear population has reportedly exceeded 4,000 individuals. The FWC’s proposal to resume bear hunting stems from the perceived need to manage this growing population effectively.

Upcoming Protests and Public Response

In anticipation of the FWC meeting, protests are scheduled across the state on Saturday, aimed at voicing opposition to the proposed hunt. Activists are encouraging public engagement to influence the outcome of the FWC’s decisions.

WESH 2 News has reached out to the FWC for comments regarding the hunting proposal and will include their response when received.