TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Sierra Club Florida released the following statement regarding Leon County Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey’s decision to deny an injunction seeking to halt Florida’s bear hunt.
“We are deeply disappointed that the court has failed to uphold the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s constitutional duty to manage Florida’s black bear population based on science rather than the demands of trophy hunters.
This ruling is a serious setback for Florida’s wildlife and for the countless Floridians who have worked tirelessly over the past year to stop this cruel and unnecessary hunt. The science is clear, the public has spoken, and nothing about this decision changes the facts: Florida does not need a bear hunt.
To everyone who has stood up for Florida’s black bears: thank you. Your voices matter, your advocacy has made a real difference, and we urge you to stay engaged and keep fighting. Time and again, we’ve proven what we can accomplish when we come together for the places and wildlife we love. Together, we will continue holding our officials accountable, and driving real, lasting change for our state and for all who call it home.” –Sarah Younger and Rhonda Roff, “Spare a Bear” Campaign Leaders, Sierra Club Florida
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