Released by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission …
Bear management facts:
- Commissioners approved the updated Bear Management Plan at last Wednesday’s meeting, which reflects a comprehensive, science-based approach.
- FWC staff will continue to focus on reducing human-bear conflicts by promoting the use of bear-resistant trash cans and removing bears that pose a safety threat.
- There was no proposal to hunt, but it is an important tool in the toolbox for managing bear populations.
- FWC staff will continue to explore options on population management in the future, knowing bear hunting could be added to an agenda by an FWC chairman.
- FWC staff will continue education and outreach to the public in general and regarding human-bear conflict and population management.
“We’re proud to have approved a world-class plan for bear management in Florida,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chairman Robert Spottswood. “This represents a comprehensive, science-based approach. We will continue to prioritize public safety while we manage bear populations”
What about a hunt?
While there was no proposal to hunt at the December Commission meeting, we can’t predict what a future Commission or Chairman might decide to do. Today, our Commission approved a world-class, science-based Bear Management Plan.