Florida's first black bear hunt in a decade approved despite strong opposition

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The first black bear hunt in Florida in a decade will take place in December adopted Wednesday by state wildlife officials despite strong opposition to the eventual use of dogs and targeting the animals in baited locations.

The voted unanimously in favor of the plan during a meeting that drew 168 people for a public hearing in the Panhandle town of Havana, with both supporters and opposents present. The panel had given preliminary approval in May, citing a need to manage growing bear populations.