FWC weighs ‘Bear Hunt’ as people on both sides speak out

LEE COUNTY Florida WFTX A proposal to allow bear hunting in Florida is drawing sharp reactions from both conservationists and animal rights advocates The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FWC is set to discuss anticipated rule changes this week that could lead to a regulated bear hunt Supporters of the hunt believe it s backed by science and could ultimately benefit the bears Unfortunately society has taught humanity that bears are these cute and cuddly things that we re supposed to love explained Mark Barton Ph D a board member of the Florida Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Everybody had a teddy bear growing up FWC facts shows Florida s black bear population has rebounded from just a limited hundred to nearly in contemporary years In this particular affair the science really supports this hunt Barton explained It shows that this population is sustainable that it s able to handle a limited harvest He noted revenue from hunting permits could be reinvested in conservation efforts including habitat restoration wildlife research and relocation programs for nuisance bears The issue has gained urgency following Florida s first deadly bear attack in Collier County just weeks ago An -year-old man was killed and FWC confirms there were bear-related calls in that area over the past year Protesters across the state are participating in Defend the Bears rallies including a demonstration in Fort Myers over the weekend We are latest into their habitat so they are not intruders we are noted one protester It s cruel selfish and hypocritical to say it s time to start shooting bears In a comment the FWC mentioned it will present rule amendment options during its May commission meeting in Ocala The agency says its goal is to create a sustainable repeatable hunt structure based on regional bear populations A final vote on the rule changes is expected later this summer