Florida Bear Defenders Protest Proposed Black Bear Hunts

Protests Against Florida Bear Hunts

• 📣 Bear defenders are organizing multi-city protests across Florida against the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's (FWC) consideration of reinstating black bear trophy hunts.
• 🗓️ These demonstrations are occurring in nearly a dozen cities, running from morning until noon, regardless of weather conditions.

Context of the Proposed Hunt

• ⚠️ The FWC is considering the hunt following Florida's first fatal bear attack earlier this year, which resulted in the death of an 89-year-old man.
• ⏱️ Protesters argue that the decision to allow hunts is being rushed out of fear from this recent, uncommon attack and express concern for the bears' welfare.
• 📊 FWC estimates there are over 4,000 bears in Florida and aims to slow the population growth and prevent future tragedies.

Proposed Hunt Details and Opposition

• 🎯 The FWC's recommendation for 2025 is to kill 187 bears, with 55 designated for the south zone.
• 🚫 The bear defenders group advocates for saving the bears, opposing what they describe as a cruel and inhumane method of population control.
• 🗓️ The proposed hunting season is from October 1st to December 31st, with a final vote by the FWC commissioners scheduled for this month.
• 🤝 Currently, four out of five FWC commissioners support the bear hunt.
• 📢 Protesters are using signs with slogans like "Stop bear trophy hunting" and "I am not your trophy" to draw attention to their cause.