Florida Wildlife Authorities to Decide on Bear Hunting

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is gearing up to make a decision soon on a proposal to initiate a seasonal bear hunt in the state, a topic that has generated differing opinions from various groups.

Several protests took place across Florida on Saturday ahead of the vote, including a demonstration in downtown Orlando.

Some of the activists said education as the key to reducing negative bear-human interactions.

The idea of a bear hunt surfaced in December 2024 as a strategy to manage the increasing bear population and minimize human-bear interactions. It is estimated by the FWC that over 4,000 bears inhabit Florida.

Bryan Wilson, who coordinates for the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, argues that hunting bears would not be an effective method for population control due to the scattered nature of bear habitats.

“Removing a bear from the Ocala forest won’t affect a bear located in downtown Orlando. Similarly, removing a bear in the Panhandle won’t address issues faced by people in South Florida,” stated Wilson.

The FWC’s proposal includes issuing hunting permits for regions with bear populations of at least 200. Wilson advocates for educational initiatives as a more successful way to mitigate adverse encounters between humans and bears.

“In Seminole County, a Bear Wise community standard has been adopted. This involves using bear-proof trash containers and educating residents, especially in areas where bears are prevalent,” Wilson explained.

Back in May, News 6 spoke to Lee Kramer. She lives off of Markham Woods Road in Seminole County and said she had an encounter inside her home in 2016.

“One of the bears got inside the laundry room and as soon as he turned around, the door shut,” Kramer said. “I just ran inside and closed the door.”

Kramer said that while she doesn’t want to see the bears killed, a regulated bear hunt could be beneficial.

“It will protect everyone,” she said. “Regulation is good for everything. Regulation and discipline.”

If approved, this would be the first bear-hunting season in Florida in a decade. The vote is expected to take place during FWC’s meeting Aug. 13 in Gadsden County.