Florida’s black bears are more than just wildlife — they are a living symbol of our state’s natural heritage. Yet, despite overwhelming public opposition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has voted to reinstate black bear hunting for the first time in a decade.

This decision defies science, public will, and the FWC’s own mission to protect wildlife. In 2015, Florida’s last bear hunt ended in tragedy when more than 300 bears were killed in just two days — including nursing mothers — leaving cubs to die. Now, the FWC has approved a hunt allowing up to 187 bears to be killed this December, followed by annual hunting seasons.

The Commission claims the hunt is “science-based,” but their own data shows that habitat protection — not trophy hunting — is the key to sustaining healthy bear populations. Bear attacks on people are extremely rare, and conflicts are largely the result of human encroachment into bear habitats. Nonlethal solutions, such as educating communities on securing trash and reducing attractants, are proven to work without slaughtering these animals.

Public opposition could not be clearer. Earlier this year, the FWC’s own survey found that 75% of over 13,000 respondents opposed the hunt. Nearly 3,000 Floridians submitted comments urging the Commission to vote “no.” At the August 13 meeting, opponents outnumbered supporters — from lifelong residents to young children speaking out for compassion.

Yet the FWC ignored the majority voice, siding instead with a small group of trophy hunters who view killing bears as “heritage.” Allowing hunting methods like bait stations, chase dogs, and bows ensures unnecessary suffering for these intelligent, sentient creatures.

Governor Ron DeSantis has the power to stop this hunt before it begins. We call on him to honor the will of Floridians, protect our state’s wildlife, and preserve the black bear for future generations.

Florida’s bears are part of our wild family. Killing them for sport is not conservation — it’s cruelty. Let’s choose science, compassion, and common sense over politics and trophy walls.

Sign this petition to demand Governor DeSantis halt the December hunt and restore true, science-based protection for Florida’s black bears.