A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stood up for Florida’s black bears with us during Saturday’s statewide protests. Your voices, your presence, and your unwavering commitment are the lifeblood of this movement. 🐻🖤

Now, the most critical moment is upon us. On Wednesday, August 13, in Havana, Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will cast its final vote on whether to authorize a black bear hunt. We urgently call on you to act now. Contact Governor Ron DeSantis and the FWC Commissioners and urge them to VOTE NO on the bear hunt. At the very least, insist on removing the most egregious and cruel practices, hunting with dogs, baiting, and archery, from the proposal. Furthermore, if they proceed against public will and science, they should require mandatory check stations for some semblance of accountability.

Florida’s black bears are a keystone species, essential to the balance of our state’s ecosystems. Their survival depends on the choices made in the coming days. Your voice can tip the scales.

Call and email Governor DeSantis.
Phone: (850) 717-9337
Email: GovernorRon.Desantis@eog.myflorida.com

Contact the FWC Commissioners.
Contact all seven commissioners directly by copying and pasting the following email addresses into the BCC field of your message. Please urge the commissioners to vote NO on the bear hunt. Please thank FWC Commissioner Steven Hudson for voting no during the preliminary vote.

FWC Commissioner emails:
Rodney.Barreto@MyFWC.com, Steven.Hudson@MyFWC.com, Preston.Farrior@MyFWC.com, Sonya.Rood@MyFWC.com, Albert.Maury@MyFWC.com, Gary.Nicklaus@MyFWC.com, Gary.Lester@MyFWC.com

Attend the FWC meeting in Havana, Florida, on August 13th.
Plan to arrive early to sign up to speak. You will likely have 1 minute or less to convey your message. Please prepare.

Date: August 13, 2025.
Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Arrive no later than 7:30 am to register to speak).
Location: Florida Public Safety Institute Conference Center Building
85 Academy Dr. Havana, FL 32333