Florida’s black bears are once again under threat.

Despite overwhelming public opposition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering a proposal to reopen a trophy hunting season targeting black bears. If approved, up to 187 bears could be killed not for science or safety, but to appease a small fringe of trophy hunters.

The plan includes cruel and outdated methods like baiting, hounding with dogs, and archery. These practices are known to cause immense suffering and chaos in Florida’s forests. These methods are not only inhumane, they are dangerous: they increase bear-human conflicts, endanger other wildlife, and often result in the slow, painful deaths of bears including mothers and cubs.

We’ve been here before. In 2015, a bear hunt led to the slaughter of over 300 bears in just 48 hours. Public outcry forced the FWC to stop it. Now, they’re trying again even though their own data shows bear populations are stable, and hunting will do nothing to reduce conflicts with humans.

This proposal isn’t about conservation, it’s about killing for sport. Over two-thirds of Floridians oppose bear hunting. Nearly 80% oppose baiting and hounding. This is not wildlife management. It’s a betrayal of public trust.

We call on Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to reject the proposed black bear trophy hunt and commit to science-based, humane wildlife policy.

Florida’s black bears need protection not persecution.