Florida Black Bear Hunt Faces Second Lawsuit Over Scientific Data

Legal Challenge to Florida Bear Hunt

• ⚖️ A second lawsuit has been filed by Bear Warriors United to block Florida's upcoming black bear hunt, scheduled for December 6th.
• 🏛️ The lawsuit, moved to Leon County's second circuit, asks a state judge to block the hunt, alleging the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) violated the state constitution, misled the public, and ignored its own 2019 bear management plan.

Arguments Against the Hunt

• 🔬 Opponents argue the bear hunt is not supported by science, with claims based on outdated data.
• 📉 They contend there is no overpopulation of bears, but rather an overpopulation of greed and people encroaching on bear habitats.
• ⚠️ Concerns are raised about increased risks, including more guns and bullets, and potential negative impacts on traffic safety, not the bears themselves.

Arguments For the Hunt

• 📈 Supporters, including FWC commissioners, assert that the bear population is strong and has grown significantly over decades, citing numerous encounters and even fatalities.
• 🎯 Commissioners state decisions are based on science and that the hunt is regulated, with 172 permits available in four zones.
• 🗣️ Personal anecdotes are shared, with individuals noting an increase in bear sightings compared to previous decades.

Political and Application Details

• 🎁 Democratic candidate for governor, David Jolly, called the hunt a "giveaway to the trophy club" and a gift from Governor Ron DeSantis.
• 📝 The deadline to apply for a permit is the upcoming Monday night at 11:59 p.m., with a non-refundable application fee.
• 💰 Permit fees are $100 for Florida residents and $300 for non-residents if selected in the random drawing.