For the first time in a decade, Floridians will be legally allowed to hunt black bears in the state. The move was unanimously approved by the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this month, but not without opposition from some conservation and animal rights groups.

Hunters will need to apply for permits to participate in the December 2025 bear hunt. The last bear hunt in Florida occurred in October 2015.

The proposed bear hunt in 2025 became a reality today. Hundreds of Floridians showed up at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s quarterly meeting in Havana, Florida on Wednesday, both for and against the hunt.