On Wednesday June 15th, 2015, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commsion voted 6-1 to allow the Florida black bear to be hunted legally with a permit for the first time in 21 years, as it was considered "an imperiled species." Up until 2012, the black bear was a state-designated threatened species list. What's more is the last count was in 2002, a with another not due until 2016. How can the Florida black bear go from a threatened species to one we can hunt in the span of just 3 years? Is this a revenue that could be earned for the State? How about the bear attacks in suburbs where food and trash was left unsecured? Why isn't Governor Rick Scott listening to the Human Society that has already petitioned his office with over 90,000 signatures? Is this a way to allow trophy hunting? I see no reason the Florida black bear should be hunted. I do see an educational opportunity for our communities to not feed wildlife and secure trash properly. Please join me and save our Florida black bears!!!! http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/wildlife/no-clear-reason-for-open-season-on-florida-black-bear/223434​ http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/06/150623-sixth-extinction-kolbert-animals-conservation-science-world/​ http://m.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2015/june/22/bear-management/