The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has approved a proposal permitting the hunting of black bears.

This is the first event of its kind since 2015, when 304 bears were harvested in two days.

The commission's chief conservation officer said the proposed hunt is a method to manage the bear population.

Opponents argue that killing bears for sport will not reduce human-bear interactions and suggest expanding non-lethal options, such as bear-proof trash containers, to prevent bears from being drawn to homes and businesses.

The hunt would last three weeks in December and include a lottery-style permitting process.

It would also allow the use of dogs to hunt bears, harvesting near game feeding stations, and a special program for large private landowners.

The proposed zones

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