Florida’s Black Bear Hunt Sparks Debate Across the South

For the first time in nearly a decade, Florida is preparing to reintroduce a regulated black bear hunt—a decision that has stirred passionate debate among hunters, conservationists, and residents alike. If approved in a final vote this August, the hunt would open in December 2025, marking a significant policy shift in how the state manages its growing black bear population.

The proposal comes amid rising reports of human-bear encounters, particularly in areas where development continues to encroach on wildlife habitats. Supporters of the hunt argue it’s a necessary step to control a population that has rebounded in recent decades and now numbers around 4,000 bears statewide. Some point to recent incidents, including a rare fatal bear attack near Big Cypress, as evidence that stronger population control is needed to prevent future tragedies.

Under the plan, hunters would be allowed to harvest up to 187 bears, or roughly 5 percent of the state’s estimated bear population. Permits would be issued with strict regulations, and the hunt would occur in designated areas with a set quota. Methods under consideration include archery, firearms, and the use of hounds, a decision that has drawn criticism from wildlife advocates.

Opponents of the hunt say the science is outdated and that the state’s population estimates are unreliable, with the last comprehensive bear study completed more than a decade ago. Critics also argue that non-lethal measures—such as better waste management, public education, and habitat preservation—would be more ethical and effective in reducing conflicts between humans and bears.

Many Floridians still recall the 2015 bear hunt, which was shut down just two days after it began due to overwhelming harvest numbers. More than 300 bears were killed, including lactating females and young adults, prompting outrage from the public and scrutiny from biologists. That hunt led to a long-standing moratorium that has only now been seriously reconsidered.

Public sentiment continues to run hot. In recent months, tens of thousands of residents have submitted comments or signed petitions opposing the hunt, citing concerns over animal welfare, data transparency, and the potential for overharvesting. Wildlife groups argue that the return of a bear season is less about management and more about political pressure from pro-hunting constituencies.

At the heart of the issue is a broader debate about how the South, and Florida in particular, should balance tradition, safety, and environmental stewardship. For hunters, a controlled bear season represents a return to sustainable game management rooted in American outdoor heritage. For conservationists, it’s a step backward—one that risks undoing decades of progress in species recovery and ethical wildlife policy.

The final decision now rests with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is expected to vote in August. If passed, it could set a precedent for other Southern states weighing similar proposals, as they too grapple with booming wildlife populations in the shadow of shrinking habitats.

Whether seen as sound science or a political gamble, one thing is clear: the conversation around Florida’s black bear hunt has already reignited one of the most divisive wildlife debates in the region.