Florida’s bear population is currently estimated at 4,050, up from just 1,200 in the 1990s when the state ended annual bear hunts. If approved, this would be the first season since 2015, when a ...

Anyone can hunt in Florida, as long as they are properly licensed. O'Neal said the proposed Florida bear hunt along with the approval of Amendment 2 last year makes it possible for him and others ...

Florida black bear sightings can be reported online to FWC. The last regulated Florida black bear hunt was in 2015. A Florida man was mauled by a 263-pound black bear in May 2025.

FWC argues the hunt is necessary to control the bear population and reduce human-bear conflicts. Come December, black bears in Florida’s Panhandle may want to steer clear of the area south of I-10.

FWC argues the hunt is necessary to control the bear population and reduce human-bear conflicts. Come December, black bears in Florida’s Panhandle may want to steer clear of the area south of I-10.

FWC argues the hunt is necessary to control the bear population and reduce human-bear conflicts. Come December, black bears in Florida’s Panhandle may want to steer clear of the area south of I-10.

Florida’s bear population is currently estimated at 4,050, up from just 1,200 in the 1990s when the state ended annual bear hunts. If approved, this would be the first season since 2015, when a ...

FWC argues the hunt is necessary to control the bear population and reduce human-bear conflicts. Come December, black bears in Florida’s Panhandle may want to steer clear of the area south of I-10.