ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Now that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has given the go-ahead for the state's first bear hunt in a decade, those for and against the hunt are looking toward what is next.

What You Need To Know • FWC voted 5-0 Wednesday in favor of letting hunters in four designated zones kill up to 187 bears in the 2025 season • James Scott of "Speak up for Wildlife" says protecting the habitat of bears and properly securing trash is the better way to cut down on conflict • Maria Davidson, manager of the SCI Foundation Large Carnivore Program, said limited habitat is one reason why a bear hunt is appropriate

The 23-day hunt is set to begin Dec. 6.

It wasn't the outcome James Scott was hoping for. He is the campaign coordinator for the group "Spe

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