The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is poised to make a final decision on reinstating a Florida black bear hunt—the first since the disastrous and controversial 2015 hunt. We need your voice now more than ever.
What’s at Stake?
FWC is proposing a 2025 bear hunt that would allow the killing of 187 bears across four management zones, using controversial and inhumane practices like baiting, archery, and, starting in 2027, the use of hunting dogs. The proposal lacks current scientific backing and undermines public trust. The time to act is now.
Why This Hunt Is Not Needed
🔬 Outdated Science
The last statewide bear population estimate was conducted in 2015. The next isn’t expected until 2029 or 2030. Authorizing a hunt without updated, peer-reviewed data violates the basic principles of responsible wildlife management.
🧾 No Scientific Justification
FWC has not provided new data proving that Florida’s bear population can support a hunt. The 20% “harvest rate” they reference comes from outdated studies of populations in other states—not Florida—and ignores critical mortality factors like vehicle collisions.
🧍♂️ Public Opposition is Overwhelming
FWC’s own post-2015 public survey showed that 92% of Floridians oppose a bear hunt.
- Only 1% of Floridians hold a hunting license.
- 89% oppose hunting bears with dogs, and 82% oppose baiting.
This is not wildlife management—it’s a trophy hunt, and Floridians know it.
⚠ The 2015 Hunt Was a Disaster
In just two days, 304 bears were killed, including lactating mothers, leaving orphaned cubs. Despite real-time monitoring and check stations, the hunt spiraled out of control. The 2025 proposal removes those safeguards, relying on delayed app-based kill reporting and zero in-person oversight.
🐻 Non-Lethal Solutions Work
Education, BearWise programs, and secured trash bins are proven, effective methods for reducing human-bear conflicts. Killing bears does not reduce these encounters—properly securing trash does.
What You Can Do
📅 Attend the FWC Meeting
When: August 13–14, 2025
Where: Florida Public Safety Institute, 85 Academy Drive, Havana, Florida 32333 (details at myfwc.com)
Why: To speak up against the hunt, support Alternative 3 (no quota, no hunt), and show public opposition in person.
Sign Up Here to join the community calling for NO BEAR HUNT!
🗣 Prepare a Public Comment
You can speak for up to 3 minutes. Use your time to urge the Commission to vote for science, ethics, and public accountability. We can help you draft your remarks!
📨 Spread the Word
Forward this alert. Bring a friend. Share on social media using hashtags like #SaveFloridaBears and #NoBearHunt.
Let’s fill that room and make it clear: Floridians do not want a trophy hunt. We want science-based, humane management—not a return to the mistakes of the past.
🛑 Say no to cruelty. Say yes to conservation. See you in Havana.