Opponents of Florida's first black bear hunt in a decade rallied at the state capitol on Monday amid efforts to try and prevent bears from being killed next month in four areas across the state.

In addition to the rally, opponents say they obtained about 40 of the 172 permits that wildlife officials issued for the hunt. Opponents said those permits will go unused. In addition, a Leon County circuit judge will hear arguments next week as the group Bear Warriors United seeks a temporary injunction to halt the hunt.

On Monday, the Sierra Club Florida brought about 100 people to the Capitol in Tallahassee for the rally as part of a longshot request to get Gov. Ron DeSantis to use his executive powers to stop the hunt, which is scheduled from Dec. 6 to Dec. 28. Buses came from Orlando

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