black bears

The bear hunt, the first approved by the wildlife commission since 2015, could lead to as many as 172 bears being killed in four regions of the state.

Arguing against a planned bear hunt in December, Bear Warriors United is seeking an emergency temporary injunction to stop it.

Public comment Wednesday took nearly three hours, but the commission’s unanimous vote in favor came quickly.

The proposed rules include a lottery-style permitting process, up to 187 bears being killed in four areas of the state, and guidelines to encourage hunters to kill males.

A final vote will come next month on plans for the state’s first bear hunt in a decade. We delve into those plans on Speaking Of.

The FWC voted 4-1 for staff members to return with rules for a December hunt that would be held in four parts of the state.

State wildlife officials will hear a proposal next week to create an annual black bear hunt. The proposed December hunt would be the first in over a decade.

Florida's bear management plan was approved five years ago, and calls are increasing for the state to allow bear hunting for the first time in nearly a decade.

Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, says his bill is needed because of an increase in bears venturing into residential areas of his sprawling North Florida district.

Rep. Jason Shoaf, R-Port St. Joe, has introduced such legislation the past two years. “It’s what we need here in North Florida. We’re inundated," Shoaf said.