Florida Black Bear Hunt Approved for December 2025, Faces Legal Challenge
Tallahassee, FL – A controversial decision by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to reinstate an annual black bear hunt has ignited a legal battle with conservation groups. The hunt, slated to begin December 6 and run through december 27, 2025, will allow for the harvest of up to 55 black bears across designated areas of the state.
Legal Challenge Filed by Bear Warriors United
Bear Warriors United filed a formal complaint with the state’s Division of Administrative Hearings on August 15, alleging procedural violations and a lack of scientific justification for the hunt. The group, represented by attorney Raquel Levy of Daytona Beach, contends the FWC circumvented established protocols, disregarded public input, and improperly delegated authority to its executive director.
Levy asserts the FWC failed to demonstrate a scientific basis for the hunt during public meetings, violating the Legislature’s mandate for data-driven wildlife management.She further argues that allowing the executive director to unilaterally determine hunt details represents an overreach of authority. Florida law dose not grant the executive director the authority to make decisions regarding the lasting management of wildlife,
Levy stated.
Did You Know?
Florida’s black bear population has rebounded significantly since a hunting ban was implemented in 1994, rising from approximately 1,000 to an estimated 4,000 bears today.
Hunt Details and Quotas
The approved hunting season will span 23 days in December, with 187 permits available to hunters. Each permit allows for the harvest of one bear within one of four designated bear management units (BMUs) out of seven statewide. Future hunt dates, locations, and quotas will be resolute annually by the FWC’s executive director.
| Hunt Dates | Permit Limit | Harvest Quota | Management Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 6 - December 27,2025 | 187 | 55 | four of Seven bmus |
Rising Bear-Human Interactions Prompt Action
The FWC’s decision to reinstate the hunt follows a marked increase in reported bear-human interactions. nuisance calls related to bears have surged from around 2,000 in 2016 to over 6,000 in 2024 (FWC Data). FWC Chair Rodney Barreto initially directed agency biologists to develop a hunt plan last December following a review of bear management strategies.
Pro Tip:
Understanding bear behavior and taking preventative measures, such as securing food sources, can significantly reduce the likelihood of bear-human conflicts.
Conservation Groups Voice Opposition
A coalition of conservation groups has actively campaigned against the hunt, arguing it is indeed unneeded and detrimental to the state’s bear population. Marsha Biggs of the Sierra Club urged the FWC to prioritize non-lethal methods of managing bear populations and to publicly release the scientific data supporting the hunt. Let’s see the science and let’s evaluate it before you call for a hunt,
Biggs stated during a public meeting.
The FWC maintains it does not comment on pending litigation. The outcome of the legal challenge filed by Bear Warriors United will determine whether the December 2025 hunt proceeds as planned. What impact will this hunt have on Florida’s bear population, and what alternative strategies could be employed to mitigate bear-human conflicts?
Black Bear Conservation in Florida: A Historical Perspective
Florida’s black bear population has faced numerous challenges throughout history, including habitat loss, fragmentation, and unregulated hunting. The implementation of the hunting ban in 1994 marked a turning point,allowing the population to gradually recover. However, as the bear population expands and human advancement encroaches on bear habitat, conflicts are certain. Effective bear management requires a multifaceted approach that balances conservation goals with the needs of local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Florida Black Bear Hunt
- What is the purpose of the Florida black bear hunt? The FWC states the hunt is intended to manage the growing bear population and reduce bear-human conflicts.
- When will the Florida black bear hunt take place? The hunt is scheduled for December 6-27, 2025.
- How many bears can be harvested during the hunt? The harvest quota is set at 55 bears.
- What is Bear Warriors United’s argument against the hunt? The group alleges procedural violations and a lack of scientific justification for the hunt.
- Are there non-lethal methods for managing bear populations? Yes, these include habitat preservation, public education, and bear-resistant waste management systems.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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