Florida launches first black bear hunt since 2015
Florida opened its first regulated black bear hunting season in a decade on Dec. 6, 2025, after the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued 172 permits via lottery for zone‑specific quotas through Dec. 28. The move follows roughly 160,000 applications and includes tighter rules than 2015; opponents failed to halt the hunt in court and say at least 43 permits were secured by critics who won’t use them to reduce bear kills, while the state cites a bear population now exceeding 4,000.
📌 Key Facts
- FWC issued 172 bear hunt permits by random lottery for the Dec. 6–28 season
- About 160,000 applications were submitted; permits cost $100 for residents and $300 for nonresidents
- Opponents say they won at least 43 permits they won’t use; hunting is limited to four zones with set quotas
- FWC cites a statewide Florida black bear population of 4,000+ as supporting a regulated hunt
📊 Relevant Data
Florida's human population has increased by 8% since 2020, reaching more than 23 million residents.
Florida's Enviable Population Growth Comes at a Cost — U.S. News & World Report
In 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received 7,311 bear-related calls from the public, representing an increase from 5,923 in 2022.
Bears by the Numbers — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida black bears killed by vehicle collisions numbered 318 in 2023 and 295 in 2024.
Bears by the Numbers — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The black bear population in Florida's Osceola region has declined from around 500 bears in 2014 to 167 bears in 2024.
Florida Black Bear Population Shows Sharp Decline Ahead of State Hunt — Miami New Times
Human population growth has significantly contributed to habitat fragmentation, limiting the available space for Florida black bears.
Florida Black Bear — Florida Wildlife Federation