Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff will recommend another black bear hunt for later this year, according to a memo released Thursday.
The memo, included in agenda material for the next FWC meeting in Eastpoint next Wednesday and Thursday, says “the staff recommendation is to continue to use hunting to slow the growth of bear populations.”
That’s based in part on a new survey showing a robust bear population of 4,350 adult bears.
New Bear Hunt Format
“The new hunt format, which would begin in 2016, would be modified to increase precision and accountability,” says the memo by Dr. Thomas Eason, director of the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, and Diane Eggeman, head of the Division of Hunting and Game Management.
Critics said hunters also wound up killing mothers and cubs during the hunt.
Limited Hunt
“Proposed changes are based on public input, updated bear data, as well as information from the 2015 hunt,” it goes on. “This limited hunt option would allow FWC to hold a more precise bear hunt using the data and information collected including the latest bear population science.
Protests Saturday
WJXT, Jacksonville, reports Conservationists, animal advocates, and other grassroots activists will gather in over 28 cities across Florida, including Jacksonville, on June 18 to protest the state’s bear hunts.
The advocates insist that last fall’s hunt, which ended with more than 300 bears killed, proceeded despite widespread objection from citizens, scientists and local leaders.
The Stop the Florida Bear Hunt community has a membership of over 40,000. They will protest in the following cities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 18:
- Astor
- Boca Raton
- Clearwater
- Clermont
- Estero
- Fernandina Beach
- Fort Myers
- Gainesville
- Hollywood
- Jacksonville
- Jupiter
- Lake Mary
- Longwood
- Melbourne
- Miami
- Naples
- Ocala
- Orange City
- Orlando
- Ormond Beach
- Pensacola
- St. Augustine
- St. Petersburg
- Sarasota
- Sebring
- Tallahassee
- Tampa
- Titusville
The Jacksonville protest will be at Riverside Park.
For more info, go to StopFLBearHunt.com or https://www.facebook.com/stopbearhunt/events.
[vc_btn title=”More on Bear Hunt” style=”outline” color=”primary” size=”lg” align=”left” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fsaintpetersblog.com%2Ffwc-staff-will-recommend-another-bear-hunt-year%2F|title:More%20on%20Bear%20Hunt|target:%20_blank”][vc_message message_box_style=”3d” message_box_color=”turquoise”]By James Rosica, SaintPetersBlog, excerpt posted on SouthFloridaReporter.com June 17, 2016 [/vc_message][vc_message message_box_color=”green”]Related Stories [/vc_message]Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
