Florida Black Bear Hunt Proposal: FWC Commissioners to Vote Amidst Public Opposition

Proposed Florida Black Bear Hunt

• 🐻 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has proposed a black bear hunt scheduled for December.
• ⚠️ Despite public opinion polls showing overwhelming opposition from Floridians, a final vote by the commission is expected this week, with indications suggesting the hunt will proceed.

Opposition and Concerns

• 💔 In 2015, the previous bear hunt was called off after more than 300 bears, including lactating mothers and cubs, were slaughtered in less than 48 hours.
• 📊 Approximately 75% of Floridians oppose the proposed hunt, according to public meetings and FWC responses.
• 🚫 Advocates fear cruel and painful deaths for bears, especially with the proposal including hunting with dogs, bow and arrows, and luring with feeding stations.

FWC Commission and Justification

• 🏛️ The FWC is composed of seven members appointed by the governor, none of whom are elected officials; all are developers, consultants, investors, or CEOs.
• 📈 The chairman cites an increase in the bear population from a few hundred in the 1970s to over 4,000 today as justification for the hunt.
• 🔬 FWC claims scientific backing, stating that bear populations in certain regions exceed the natural food support capacity, though updated data is not available until 2029.

Hunt Regulations and Oversight

• 🎯 This time, the hunt aims to be highly regulated by limiting permits and the number of bears killed, with a target of 187 permits for one bear each.
• ⚠️ A significant concern is the honor system for hunters to self-report kills within 24 hours, as public check-in stations will be eliminated.

How to Voice Opposition

• 📞 Concerned citizens are encouraged to contact the governor's office, as commissioners are appointed by him.
• ✉️ Alternatively, individuals can request a permit through the FWC lottery system; if selected, they can pay for the permit and choose not to participate in the hunt.