The nonprofit conservation group is working to stop bear hunting in Florida before the winter season begins. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee (FWC) unanimously approved the first regulated black bear hunting season since 2015. It will start on December 6th and run until December 28th. Residents pay $100 per permit, while non-residents (limited to 10%) pay $300.
This shows more policy changes than expected after nearly a decade of moratrium and controversy after the 2015 hunt, after 295 bears were killed in just two days. This decision relies on outdated data. The Bear population informs that there will be a hunt between 2014 and 2015, ignoring recent data and FWC’s own 2019 Bear Management Plan. This process also violated public rulemaking standards. The institution “failed to essentially comply with the law” by not presenting scientific methodologies, limiting public opinion and lacking transparency.
Bear Warriors United argues that the new rules undermine legitimate processes and wildlife conservation. In a court application and an official statement, the group argues that the population of around 4,000 Florida black bears faces threats not only from vehicle strikes, poaching and habitat loss, but also from premature reintroduction of lethal control. “Conservation starts with bullets and never ends,” said attorney Raquel Levy, who represents the group. Executive Director Katrina Shadix highlighted the urgency by saying, “The trophy that hunts our bears will be their co’s final claws.”
The official response, along with advocates, including some with ecological expertise, shows a clear sector that asserts that the bear population is stable and that hunting can generate funds for conservation efforts. At a recent FWC conference, backcountry hunter and angler Dr. Mark Burton suggested that hunting can promote sustainable growth. However, the sentiment of the people is primarily opposed to the plan. Organized protests have occurred in at least 11 Florida cities, with polls from the FWC and the humanitarian world showing opposition in 75% to 81%.
Bear Warriors United is asking judges to override hunting rules, halt hunting permits and compensate for attorneys’ fees. This case emphasizes wider tension. The challenge is to balance wildlife management with modern expectations for scientific surveillance, public input and constitutional due process.
