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Florida's Controversial Bear Hunt Sparks Public Outrage

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Wildlife officials in Florida completed a controversial bear hunt, killing 52 black bears between December 6–28, 2025.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission defended the hunt as necessary to manage a bear population over 4,000 since the 1970s.
Critics, including wildlife groups, condemned the hunt as barbaric and flawed, and a poll found 81% of residents opposed bear hunting.

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Story summary

Wildlife officials in Florida completed a controversial bear hunt, killing 52 black bears between December 6–28, 2025.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission defended the hunt as necessary to manage a bear population over 4,000 since the 1970s.
Critics, including wildlife groups, condemned the hunt as barbaric and flawed, and a poll found 81% of residents opposed bear hunting.