Protestors gathered in Ocala, DeLand, and downtown Orlando on Saturday to voice opposition to a potential return of black bear hunting in Florida. The demonstrations were organized in response to an upcoming meeting of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), where officials will consider proposals to reinstate the controversial practice.
The FWC is scheduled to convene on May 21–22 to review several wildlife management strategies, including the possibility of authorizing the state’s first black bear hunt since 2015. If approved, the hunt would be scheduled to run for a minimum of three weeks in December.
According to the FWC, Florida is home to an estimated population of more than 4,000 black bears. Advocates for the hunt argue that it could help manage bear populations and reduce human-wildlife conflicts, while opponents raise concerns about conservation, animal welfare, and the potential long-term impact on the species.
Under the proposed plan, hunting permits would be distributed via a random lottery system.
The final decision by the FWC later this month is expected to draw significant public attention from both conservationists and hunting supporters across the state.