Florida's First Black Bear Hunt in a Decade Sparks Controversy

Florida's first black bear hunting season in ten years commenced on December 6, 2025, and is set to run until December 28. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sanctioned this hunt in response to a growing bear population, which has increased from a few hundred in the 1970s to over 4,000 today. A total of 172 permits were issued through a lottery system, with each permit allowing the holder to harvest one bear in designated hunting zones.

UsNews and World ReportTallahasee DemocratWCTV Eyewitness NewsFirst Florida black bear hunt set to begin after court ruling clears path, first since 2015WFTX - Fort Myers NewsWJXT - News4JaxFlorida’s Black Bear Hunt Moves Forward — What It Means for Charlotte, Sarasota and DeSoto Counties

The decision to resume bear hunting follows a controversial 2015 season, which was abruptly halted after hunters killed over 300 bears in just two days, leading to concerns about population management and sustainability. This year's hunt features stricter regulations, including prohibitions against killing mother bears and their cubs, and is limited to specific Bear Management Units to better control the population.

UsNews and World ReportWCTV Eyewitness NewsFlorida's first black bear hunt since 2015 has lottery winners split between hunting and protestingTallahasee DemocratWFTX - Fort Myers NewsWJXT - News4Jax

Supporters, including the FWC and various hunting advocacy groups, argue that regulated hunting is a necessary wildlife management tool. They contend that it helps manage bear populations and reduces human-bear conflicts, particularly in areas where bear sightings have increased. Mark Barton of the Florida chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers stated that the hunt would help fund ongoing conservation efforts.

UsNews and World ReportWCTV Eyewitness NewsTallahasee DemocratFirst Florida black bear hunt set to begin after court ruling clears path, first since 2015WFTX - Fort Myers NewsWJXT - News4Jax

Opponents, including animal advocacy groups and conservationists, have voiced strong objections to the hunt. They argue that the FWC's decision lacks scientific backing and is driven by outdated population estimates. Critics like Kate MacFall, Florida director of Humane World for Animals, describe the hunt as cruel and unnecessary, advocating instead for better community practices to coexist with bears. A coalition of groups, including Bear Warriors United, has filed lawsuits to block the hunt, claiming that the FWC has ignored public input and scientific data.

First Florida black bear hunt set to begin after court ruling clears path, first since 2015

Despite the opposition, a Leon County Circuit Judge ruled against a legal challenge aimed at halting the hunt, affirming the FWC's authority to manage wildlife. The judge's ruling allows the hunt to proceed, although the legal battle continues, with opponents planning to amend their lawsuit for further recourse.

First Florida black bear hunt set to begin after court ruling clears path, first since 2015

The community remains divided over the hunt. Some residents view it as a necessary management tool, while others express concerns about its implications for bear populations and habitat preservation. Activists have launched campaigns like "Spare a Bear, Bag a Tag," encouraging individuals to apply for permits they do not intend to use, effectively reducing the number of bears that could be hunted.

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• “This hunt is wrong in so many ways. You know it’s not based on science – that's not what’s driving this. So, this is our way of protecting the bears and giving the bears a voice,” — Joel Cleveland, Opponent of the Hunt

Tallahasee Democrat

• “It’s good for the bears to start with. We have bear management units; four of them are overpopulated,” — Newton Cook, President of United Waterfowl of Florida

WCTV Eyewitness News

• “Despite the public outcry, the FWC has chosen to move ahead. Their disdain and disrespect has awakened a kraken,” — Susan Randolph, Sierra Club Florida

Tallahasee Democrat

The bear hunt will continue until December 28, 2025, unless further legal actions intervene. The ongoing debate surrounding wildlife management practices in Florida is expected to persist, with both sides preparing for future confrontations over bear conservation and hunting regulations.

WCTV Eyewitness News