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Orlando, FL - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will vote this week on a proposal for a seasonal bear hunt to manage the state's growing bear population.
Protests were held across Florida on Saturday, including a notable gathering in downtown Orlando, where opponents voiced their concerns.
Animal rights groups, such as the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, argue that a bear hunt would not effectively reduce human-bear conflicts, citing the fragmented nature of Florida’s bear populations.
Bryan Wilson, the foundation’s coordinator, emphasized that a hunt in one area, like the Ocala forest, would not impact bear populations in other regions, such as downtown Orlando or South Florida.
He advocates for education and preventative measures instead of hunting.
Some Florida residents, including Lee Kramer from Seminole County, have voiced support for a regulated bear hunt.
Kramer, who had a close encounter with a bear in her home in 2016, believes a controlled hunt could help reduce safety risks for residents.
“Regulation and discipline” are essential for managing bear populations, she said.
The FWC’s proposed plan would allow hunting in bear management areas with at least 200 bears.
If approved, this would mark the first bear hunting season in Florida in a decade.
The vote on the proposal is scheduled for August 13th during the FWC's meeting in Gadsden County.