The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is accepting public comment on its draft "Black Bear Management Plan." The goal of the plan is to sustain black bear populations, conserve bear habitat and reduce human-bear conflicts.
The FWC is not proposing a bear hunting season...at least not yet! The FWC is well aware that Floridians like bears and that any suggestion to allow hunting of bears would be controversial. Despite this, hunters in Florida are insisting that sport hunting be included in any "management" plan for bears. So far, the majority of public comments that the FWC has received have been pro-hunting.
Bears in Florida have been safe from hunter's bullets for over 15 years. The FWC needs to hear from Floridians that bear hunting should never resume!
1. The FWC's draft Black Bear Management Plan is available online for review and comment through October 1. Please submit comments against bear hunting. You may want to make these points:
- Although bear populations have increased since hunting was stopped in 1994, there are less than 3,000 bears statewide. According to the FWC, "the long-term future of black bears in Florida is uncertain." The Florida black bear is designated by the state as a Threatened species.
- Hunting will not reduce human-bear conflicts. The best way to prevent problems is to properly store and secure garbage, pet food and other human food sources that attract bears.
To submit comments, click here.
(Under Chapter, select "5-Strategies & Actions." Under Line, type "All")
2. Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper would be another great way to express your opinion about the idea of hunting Florida's black bears. Contact ARFF for tips on writing letters to the editor.
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