Florida’s Controversial First Bear Hunt In Decade Draws Record-Breaking Crowd Of Applicants

Florida is gearing up for its first bear hunt in a decade, and the response has been absolutely insane.

Over 160,000 people threw their names into the lottery for a tiny 172 permits. That’s right, getting a permit is rarer than spotting a bear on a hike!

This hunt, set for December, has everyone talking, some with excitement, others with concern.

Florida’s black bear population is roughly 4,000 strong, and officials say hunting is one tool to keep numbers in check.

But the idea of chasing these incredible creatures through the wild has stirred up a storm of debate.

Some folks argue the hunt isn’t necessary at all. Fatal bear attacks in Florida are extremely rare; in fact, only one recent case involved an elderly man and his dog being injured.

On the other hand, as humans expand into bear territory, encounters are becoming more frequent, and wildlife managers say they need tools to keep both bears and people safe.

This year’s hunt is very different from the last one, ten years ago, which ended in chaos.

Over 300 bears lost their lives in just two days, including 38 mothers with cubs, meaning countless babies likely perished too.

Wildlife officials have learned from the past. This December, no cubs, no moms with cubs, and permits will be awarded through a random lottery instead of first-come-first-served.

Even with these rules, animal advocates are finding clever ways to protect bears.

Groups like Speak Up Wekiva and Speak Up for Wildlife have encouraged supporters to apply for permits with no intention of using them.

By flooding the lottery with “safe” applications, they hope to save lives while still playing by the rules.

Chuck O’Neal, president and founder of both groups, shared in a YouTube video:

“This is all about saving bears. We don’t believe that bears should be hunted in the state of Florida.”

For those who win a permit, the hunt runs from December 6 to December 28. Florida residents pay $100, nonresidents $300.

Hunters can use firearms or bows, and on private property, bait feeding stations are allowed.

Landowners with 5,000 acres or more can also run their own “bear harvest programs” under state guidelines.

Looking ahead, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is keeping an eye on long-term sustainability.

Future hunts could run from October through December, and new rules might allow multiple dogs to track bears.

The goal is to balance population management with conservation, while protecting the state’s iconic wildlife.

So this December, all eyes will be on Florida’s forests and fields. Hunters, bears, and advocates alike will navigate this delicate balance between coexistence and control.

For many, it’s not just about a hunt, it’s a conversation about conservation, community, and learning to live alongside these magnificent animals.