Story perspectives

Florida Approves Controversial Bear Hunt Amid Conservation Concerns

9/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a bear hunt from December 6-28, 2025, with 187 hunting tags available.
The last hunt in 2015 resulted in over 300 bears killed, including lactating females.
Conservation groups urge nonhunters to apply for tags to protect bears.
Some hunters express concerns about outdated population data and hunting methods.
FWC asserts the hunt will manage bear populations, despite lacking evidence of overpopulation.

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Story summary

Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a bear hunt from December 6-28, 2025, with 187 hunting tags available.
The last hunt in 2015 resulted in over 300 bears killed, including lactating females.
Conservation groups urge nonhunters to apply for tags to protect bears.
Some hunters express concerns about outdated population data and hunting methods.
FWC asserts the hunt will manage bear populations, despite lacking evidence of overpopulation.