Florida Bear Hunt Faces Legal Challenge, Starts Soon

The Florida black bear hunt is slated to begin on December 6, 2025, although a court ruling could still halt the process. Protestors have legally challenged the hunt, but an emergency court order to stop it was recently denied. This hunt marks the first since 2015, with plans for future hunts potentially affected by ongoing litigation.

The 2025 season is restricted to 31 counties within four designated Bear Management Units with the largest bear populations. The FWC has issued only 187 permits, with each allowing for the harvest of one bear, a notable decrease from the unlimited permits issued in 2015. This limited approach aims to prevent the rapid depletion of bears seen in the previous hunt.

The FWC justifies the hunt by citing a substantial increase in Florida's bear population, estimating it to be up to five times above necessary levels. While conservation efforts have been successful, leading to the bear's reclassification from endangered to 'Recovered' in 2012, concerns remain about the data used and the prioritization of hunting over non-lethal methods, especially following a recent constitutional amendment.