The Brief

ORLANDO, Fla. - Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted on Wednesday to host a proposed three-week bear hunt in December. This will be the first time in 10 years that hunting black bears will be permitted in the Sunshine State.

The proposal has drawn months of debate, with wildlife advocates in opposition citing concerns about the ethical treatment of the animals, potential harm to cubs and the lack of scientific justification for the hunt. Those in support argue the bear hunt would help with population management and conservation funding.

What is the Florida bear hunt proposal?

What we know:

FWC officials unanimously passed the proposal with the five commissioners present. Two commissioners were not at the meeting.

The newly a

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