Florida’s Bear Hunt Sparks Controversy as Over 160,000 Apply for Limited Permits

Florida is once again opening the door to bear hunting after a decade-long pause, but this return to managing its estimated 4,000-strong black bear population is fraught with controversy. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received an astounding 163,459 applications for only 172 permits, highlighting both the demand for responsible wildlife management and the growing resistance from activist groups. Can Activist Interference Undermine Practical Wildlife Management? The sheer volume of permit applicants demonstrates that many Floridians recognize hunting as a practical tool to control animal populations and protect human safety. Yet some environmental groups have flooded the application...