Story perspectives

Florida Resumes Controversial Black Bear Hunting After Decade

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Florida resumed legal black bear hunting for the first time in a decade, with the hunt running December 6–28, 2025.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued 172 permits through a lottery despite opposition from conservation groups.
Critics say the bear population has rebounded to about 4,000 from a few hundred in the 1970s.
Some opponents secured permits to limit the number of bears killed while supporters argue the hunt will fund conservation.

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Story summary

Florida resumed legal black bear hunting for the first time in a decade, with the hunt running December 6–28, 2025.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued 172 permits through a lottery despite opposition from conservation groups.
Critics say the bear population has rebounded to about 4,000 from a few hundred in the 1970s.
Some opponents secured permits to limit the number of bears killed while supporters argue the hunt will fund conservation.