News Summary

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has approved a limited black bear hunting season for December, aiming to manage rising bear populations and human encounters. The season will allow permits for hunting 187 bears, amidst public backlash and concerns over hunting methods and animal welfare. This marks Florida’s first bear hunt in a decade, with the debate intensifying over conservation and hunting rights in the state.

Florida Approves Limited Black Bear Hunting Season

Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved a controversial black bear hunting season scheduled for December 2025, marking the state’s first bear hunt in a decade. This decision, which was made unanimously by the commission, is justified by rising bear populations and increasing encounters between humans and bears.

Officials estimate that Florida’s black bear population currently stands at about 4,000, a significant rebound from just a few hundred in the 1970s. In response to growing bear populations and safety concerns, the commission will issue permits for the hunting of 187 bears, approximately 5% of the state’s bear population. The hunting season is set to last for 23 days, beginning on December 6, 2025, and will take place in designated regions across several counties in Central Florida, including Marion, Lake, Flagler, Volusia, Seminole, Sumter, and Brevard.

The approved hunting methods will allow the use of bows and arrows, food traps, and trained dog packs to chase bears. These practices have faced sharp criticism from wildlife advocates who argue that they contradict the principles of conservation and animal welfare. More than 160 members of the public raised their voices at the recent FWC meeting, with a majority opposing the decision and characterizing it as “legalized animal cruelty.”

Public Concerns Over Hunting Methods

Leaders from various wildlife advocacy groups have expressed concerns over the approved hunting methods, suggesting they could lead to unnecessary suffering for bears and arguing that the commission’s population estimates may be flawed, lacking a formal census. A representative from Bear Defenders has criticized the decision, emphasizing the potential dangers of allowing such practices without stringent oversight.

The approval of the bear hunting season comes in the wake of a similar, but short-lived bear hunt in 2015. That hunt was halted just two days in due to the rapid killing of 304 bears, which led to accusations of illegal hunting practices and raised significant public outcry.

Constitutional Context and Challenges

This decision follows the passage of a state amendment that enshrines hunting and fishing rights into Florida’s constitution, which received overwhelming public support during a vote last November. However, conservationists remain concerned about the potential adverse effects of hunting on bear populations and their habitats, especially as urban development continues to fragment these environments.

While the FWC acknowledges the public’s unease with the hunting initiative, it maintains that the measures are necessary for effective wildlife management and reducing future negative encounters between humans and bears. The decision has ignited a fierce debate about the balance between conservation efforts and hunting rights in Florida, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions.

Summary of Key Points

• The limited black bear hunting season is set for December 2025.
• The commission plans to permit the hunting of 187 bears, or nearly 5% of the population.
• Public backlash has been prominent, with concerns about animal cruelty and the methods of hunting.
• A similar bear hunt was previously halted due to complaints of rapid killings and illegal practices.
• This decision follows recent constitutional amendments related to hunting rights in Florida.

As preparations for the upcoming hunting season unfold, the attention of wildlife advocates, conservationists, and the public remains focused on the implications for Florida’s black bear population and the ethical considerations surrounding hunting practices.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The Guardian: Florida Black Bear Hunt
• Wikipedia: Black Bear
• WESH: Florida Bear Hunt Proposal
• Google Search: Florida black bear hunting season
• CNN: Black Bear Hunting in Florida
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Black Bear
• ABC News: Florida’s Black Bear Hunt Approved
• Google News: Florida black bear hunting controversy

Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.