A controversial state-sanctioned bear hunt in Florida has concluded with the deaths of 52 black bears, igniting fierce debate between wildlife officials and conservation groups. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) authorised the three-week hunt, the first of its kind in the state for ten years, which ran from 6 to 28 December 2025.
Conservationists Condemn 'Heartbreaking Spectacle'
Animal welfare organisations have reacted with dismay to the hunt's outcome, labelling it a "bloody spectacle." Kate MacFall, Florida state director for the Humane Society of the United States, stated that photos of trophy hunters with slain bears were "deeply upsetting" for residents who cherish the animals. Her group cited a poll indicating 81% of Floridians oppose bear hunting, with even greater numbers against the use of bait and dogs.
Critics argue the FWC's decision, made in August 2025, was based on flawed science. They assailed permitted methods including bait traps and archery, though the use of dog packs was not approved for this year's hunt. The commission has promised a full harvest report in the coming months, detailing where and how the bears died.
Officials Defend Hunt as Necessary Management Tool
The FWC leadership firmly defended the cull as a necessary measure for population control. They stated Florida's black bear population has rebounded from several hundred in the 1970s to more than 4,000 today. Roger Young, the FWC's executive director, called the hunt a "success" rooted in "sound scientific data," aligning Florida with over 30 other states that use regulated hunting to manage bear numbers.
The commission issued 172 single-take hunting permits across four of seven bear management zones where populations are highest. Officials emphasised the "conservative approach," noting the final tally of 52 was far lower than the 2015 hunt, which was halted after two days when nearly 300 bears were killed.
Political Tensions and Future Implications
The debate often extends beyond conservation science into political rhetoric. Critics accuse the state of waging a "war on bears" driven by "bloodlust, not science," and have highlighted extreme claims from some lawmakers. The issue remains deeply divisive, with the Humane Society vowing to continue fighting to restore protections for Florida's "iconic and much-beloved bears."
Looking ahead, the FWC indicated that while dog packs were not used in 2025, they would be "phased in" for future hunts. George Warthen, the FWC’s chief conservation officer, framed hunting as an effective tool within the North American wildlife conservation model, essential for ensuring bears "succeed over the long term" in the state.
