Florida Launches First Black Bear Hunt Since 2015 as Critics Oppose Decision

NEED TO KNOW

Florida has launched its first state-sanctioned black bear hunt since 2015

State wildlife officials claim that the hunt will help control future overpopulation of the species

Local conservation groups are attempting to limit the number of bears killed during the season

Florida has launched its first black bear hunting season in a decade, despite pushback from several local organizations.

Open season will run from Saturday, Dec. 6, through Friday, Dec. 26, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Our new app is here! Free, fun and full of exclusives. Scan to download now!

“Regulated bear hunting … helps manage the population,” the FWC stated in a Guide to Bear Hunting in Florida featured on their website.

The FWC noted that while th