The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will take its final vote on whether to authorize a black bear hunt at today’s meeting (August 13th). The eyes of Florida and the world are on the FWC Commissioners. We must ask them directly: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? In a state facing unprecedented wildlife and environmental crises, why is the FWC prioritizing offering an “opportunity” to special interests to kill bears rather than addressing real and urgent issues?

The agency’s own bear population studies are still underway and are not projected to be completed until 2030. Without current, comprehensive data, what is the rush to implement a hunt? Sound science and ethical wildlife stewardship demand patience, transparency, and responsibility, not politically driven decisions. If you are in Havana, Florida, today, join us in the meeting room wearing all black to stand in solidarity for the bears. Hunters will be wearing orange. Our unified presence in black will send a clear and undeniable message. Arrive early to sign up, speak, and secure your seat so that the audience reflects the overwhelming public opposition to this hunt.

For those who cannot attend in person, you can watch the proceedings live on The Florida Channel.

Today’s decision will be etched into Florida’s history. Let it be a legacy future generations recall with pride a moment when Floridians rose with resolve to defend the black bear and safeguard the last remaining fragments of wildness that define our state.

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