FWC needs to finalize Florida black bear hunt. Should state allow it? Vote in our poll

FWC needs to finalize Florida black bear hunt. Should state allow it? Vote in our poll.

Florida black bear hunting is illegal, but this regulated season could allow for 187 black bears to be killed.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-1 on May 21 to have a regulated Florida black bear hunting season in December. However, the measure will be voted on again in August to be finalized.

This decision follows a public review period and a draft proposal that outlines a possible harvest quota of 187 bears across 31 counties for three weeks in December.

This would come 10 years after the last Florida black bear hunt in 2015.

Florida votes to move forward with bear See where black bears may be harvested

Why is Florida considering a bear hunt season?

This Florida black bear hunt aims to “balance species population numbers with suitable habitat and maintain a healthy population, as stated in the 2019 Bear Management Plan. Hunting provides people with recreational and economic benefits. A hunter can use the meat, pelt, fat, and other parts of any bear they harvest,” FWC states on its website.

Do you agree with this move by FWC to have a regulated Florida black bear hunting season? Vote in our poll below.

Florida man black bear attack

On May 5, a Florida man and his dog were found dead near Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area in Collier County.

It was determined that 89-year-old Robert Markel of Jerome, south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, was mauled by a 263-pound male black bear, Naples Daily News reported.

Official confirmation from FWC came on May 9, after it finished its initial investigation into the first fatal bear attack in recorded Florida history.

This article by Gianna Montesano was first published by TC Palm. 

Wildlife in catastrophic decline

The 73% decline in vertebrate wildlife populations during the last 50 years (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish), is primarily driven by human activities that threaten biodiversity.

Habitat Loss and Degradation – human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture have led to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats, reducing the space and resources available for wildlife.

Pollution – air, water, and soil pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and other sources can harm wildlife directly or indirectly by affecting their habitats and food sources.

Climate Change – changing weather patterns, rising temperatures, and sea levels are disrupting ecosystems and impacting species’ ability to adapt and survive.

Overexploitation of Resources – unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging practices can lead to the depletion of populations and the loss of biodiversity.

Invasive Species – the introduction of non-native species can disrupt ecosystems, compete with native species, and threaten their survival.

Donate

Help to protect wildlife by donating as little as $5. Our conservation partners spend at least 80 percent of the money raised on actual fieldwork rather than administration and fundraising.

Ken Billington

Ken Billington, a scientist by training held various management positions in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries before retiring in 2006. He founded the Focusing On Wildlife blog and is a passionate supporter of wildlife conservation. Ken lives in Switzerland and loves nothing better than to be out in the field with his camera and lenses.

• Twitter
|
• Facebook
|
• More Posts(17)