25% More Bear Permits. Still No Current Count.

Florida’s black bears are already under pressure from drought, extreme heat, disappearing habitat and deadly roads. Yet Florida is expanding the 2026 bear hunt.

FWC has announced 215 permits for 2026, up from 172 issued last year - a 25% increase!

What makes that harder to defend is the science behind the decision. FWC’s own North/Osceola Bear Management Unit population estimate is still based on data from 2014. Last year raised serious questions about bear numbers in the Osceola National Forest, yet this year FWC is increasing hunting opportunity in the same BMU by adding private lands.

How do you increase the number of bears that can be killed when you still do not have a current population count?

Last year, 52 bears were killed in the hunt. But bear advocates also proved they could make a difference. Through Spare-a-Bear, Bag-a-Tag, 52 permits went to people who had no intention of killing a bear.

Fifty-two bears were killed but another 52 bears were spared.

This year, the lottery opens Sept. 11, and applicants may submit unlimited $5 entries. Every permit secured by someone who will not use it is one less permit available to someone who will.

Florida’s bears are already dodging cars, drought, heat and bulldozers. They should not have to dodge another bullet based on decade-old numbers.

Hey buddy, can you Spare-a-Bear?

Bag the tag - not the bear. Last year, we spared 52. This year, let’s spare even more.

Here's how to Spare a Bear, Bag a Tag! | Sierra Club