Conservationists Fight to Stop Florida's Planned Bear Hunt

In a move that has sparked controversy, a conservation group called Bear Warriors United has filed a lawsuit and requested an emergency injunction to halt a planned bear hunt in Florida this December. The group argues that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's decision to approve the hunt is not based on "sound" science and research.

According to the injunction motion, the hunt could result in the "needless destruction" of up to 172 black bears across four regions of the state. Bear Warriors United claims it has presented "competent, substantial evidence" showing the commission has violated its duty to manage the state's wildlife responsibly.

The commission, however, plans to seek dismissal of the lawsuit. It has previously stated that its staff provided "good, solid science" to support the hunt. The state had an estimated 4,050 bears as of 2015, the most recent figures available.

The legal battle over the hunt is set to play out in the coming weeks, with a hearing scheduled for mid-to-late November. In the meantime, the conservation group is fighting to stop the hunt from going forward, arguing that it is not based on up-to-date data and could harm Florida's black bear population.