The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is evaluating the possibility of reintroducing a bear hunt in 2025, the first since 2015. At a recent meeting in Lakeland, the commission directed its staff to develop a proposal that could be ready by May, after gathering public input.
The FWC received over 6,000 calls annually regarding bears, from positive sightings to incidents requiring intervention, according to Mike Orlando, the FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator. Researchers estimate that Florida is home to more than 4,000 bears. An increasing population of both bears and humans is anticipated to elevate potential conflicts. Orlando explained that Florida is divided into seven Bear Management Units, with most bears residing in Central Florida, South Florida, and parts of the Panhandle. He noted, “Almost 300 bears are killed by vehicles each year, and despite our best efforts, on average, one person per year is injured by a bear.”
During the public comment segment, nearly 20 individuals expressed their views on the proposed hunt. Katrina Shadix, Executive Director of Bear Warriors United, opposed the hunt, labeling it as “trophy killing.” She emphasized the importance of managing human behavior rather than wildlife, stating, “We have a people problem. We need to manage our people, not the bears. We’re the ones who know how to read. The bears don’t know how to read signs or brochures about securing our trash.” Shadix focuses on educating people on coexisting responsibly with bears, advising that securing trash is paramount in bear habitats.
Conversely, supporters of the hunt, like Newton Cook of United Waterfowlers Florida, advocate for it to maintain a natural wildlife distribution. Cook asserts, “It’s important that we use man in the picture,” highlighting that such measures can prevent overcrowding and mitigate risks to both bears and humans.
Public input continues to be a critical component of the decision-making process. Comments regarding the prospective bear hunt can be submitted to the FWC via email at BearComments@MyFWC.com.
The discussions surrounding a potential bear hunt in Florida underscore the complex relationship between wildlife management and human development. As the state considers this controversial step, balancing conservation efforts with public safety and ecological considerations remains a priority.
Source: Abcactionnews
