The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) unanimously approved a black bear hunting season set to begin in December 2025. This marks the first bear hunt in the state since 2015 and the first in a decade. The hunt will target 187 bears across 31 counties. Despite strong opposition from environmental advocates and animal rights groups, who have vowed legal challenges, the commission defended the decision as science-based. The approved rules include the controversial use of dogs and baited locations to hunt black bears. The decision has sparked significant public debate, with hunters and activists deeply divided on the issue.