Bear hunting returning to Florida for first time in a decade following unanimous FWC vote

HAVANA, Fla. (WCTV) - Bear hunting is returning to the state of Florida for the first time in a decade.

During a meeting Wednesday in Havana, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted unanimously to approve a 23-day hunt in December.

FWC officials said the hunt is aimed at managing Florida’s growing black bear population.

Just two hours before the meeting began at 8:30 a.m., dozens of supporters and opposers lined up outside the Florida Public Safety Institute. Those supporting the bear hunt wore orange and those opposed to hunting bears in Florida showed up wearing black.

During the meeting, the commission received over 100 public comments.

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Kate MacFall with Humane World for Animals argues that hunting isn’t a viable solution.

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