Conservation group sues Florida over bear hunt plan, says it limits public input

OVIEDO, Fla. – A Central Florida-based conservation group is fighting in court against a planned black bear hunt scheduled for December.

Bear Warriors United filed a petition last week with the Division of Administrative Hearings to stop the hunt that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved last week under a new rule.

[WATCH: Florida bear hunt approved. Here’s what’s next]

The petition alleges that the new rule, Rule 68A-12.012, F.A.C., grants sweeping authority to the FWC’s executive director to determine hunting zones and set the number of permits without clear scientific guidance or public oversight.

Bear Warriors United claims that this process bypasses the necessary input of the full commission and limits public participation, undermining due process and co