Florida Wildlife Commission Defies Lawsuit, Pushes Ahead with Bear Hunt

In a clash over wildlife management, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is pushing ahead with plans for a bear hunt in December, despite a lawsuit filed by a conservation group.

The commission filed documents last week arguing that a judge should dismiss the lawsuit brought by Bear Warriors United, which is seeking a temporary injunction to halt the hunt. The commission contends it has the constitutional power to manage the state's wildlife, including authorizing a limited bear hunt to control the growing black bear population.

According to the commission, the black bear population has expanded in several areas, leading to increased bear sightings outside their natural habitats. The hunt, which could result in up to 172 bears being killed across four regions of the state, is aimed at "stabilizing the bear population" and maintaining them at "appropriate population levels."

However, Bear Warriors United has argued that the decision to hold the hunt is not based on "sound science and research." The group claims the commission is relying on "obsolete data and assumptions" and that bear hunts are being allowed in areas where the population is actually declining.

The legal battle is the latest chapter in the long-running controversy over bear hunting in Florida. The last bear hunt was held in 2015, and the upcoming hunt, scheduled from December 6-28, has once again divided conservationists and hunters.