Mr. Hanks,

We, the undersigned, vigorously oppose the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries proposed black bear hunt. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission recently adopted and published its Notice of Intent to open a hunting season for the once-threatened Louisiana black bear in December of this year.

With an estimated population of only 1200 black bears, we believe it is better to educate our residents to live with other creatures, especially large omnivores than to kill them. We favor the state of Florida's approach with its BearWise Plan and urge our Wildlife and Fisheries Dept to join as a state partner. The BearWise Plan educates Florida residents on how to reduce encounters with bears, thus allowing both species to co-exist peacefully. Florida has successfully implemented multiple bear protection programs and services throughout its state, and we should follow its lead: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/wise/

The Louisiana black bear is a symbol of our state and deserves to remain protected and shielded from a premature loss of life. We ask our state to allow the black bears to enjoy their lives, free from our intrusions. 

Here are two videos that show the bears in their natural habitat, enjoying their lives: https://youtu.be/h3mRZ29AJ7I?feature=shared
https://youtu.be/gftNMhk32YI?si=K-1xuhcpWH4uQKy4