TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted Wednesday to postpone black bear hunting in 2016.
After the vote, Nick Wiley, FWC executive director said:
“Although hunting has been demonstrated to be a valuable tool to control bear populations across the country, it is just one part of FWC’s comprehensive bear management program. I am proud of our staff who used the latest, cutting-edge, peer-reviewed science to develop a recommendation for our Commissioners to consider. Our agency will continue to work with Floridians, the scientific community and local governments as our focus remains balancing the needs of Florida’s growing bear population with what’s best for families in our state. I would like to thank all seven of our Commissioners for their leadership on this important issue.”
FWC officials said that not holding a 2016 bear hunt will give FWC more time to work with the public to better develop the important role hunting plays in our state’s bear management program.
The bear hunt topic is again causing controversy. Last year, more than 300 bears were killed in the state in just two days. The hunt was supposed to last a week, but it was cut because so many bears were killed so quickly.
News Channel 8 was there Tuesday when a bear made its way into a residential neighborhood along E. Linebaugh Ave. in Tampa. It caused commotion by simply sitting in a tree for hours. FWC offices eventually tranquilized it. It’s set to be relocated.SEE MORE: Black bear in FWC custody after early morning chase in Tampa
That type of scenario is why state officials want another hunt. They believe it’ll help keep the population down.
FWC officials could opt to hold three four-day hunts this year.
Animal rights activists aren’t happy about it and plan to protest a meeting in Eastport on Wednesday.
