Bear hunting has been illegal in Florida since 1994, but that may be about to change, because the bear population in the state has bounced back from near extinction. A high population of wild bears could pose a risk for humans, but the prospect of allowing bear hunting is getting both cheers and jeers.
The largest black bear in Seminole County, FL was trapped and caught last month after it was found rummaging through garbage cans in a residential neighborhood. The bear was about 740 pounds and, according to Immortal.org, the bear was euthanized in Orlando because of its lack of fear of humans.
Bears that have no fear of humans have the potential to attack, which could pose a risk for the public. Attack injuries, if not fatal, are often very severe. About 27,000 people a year need reconstructive surgery after an animal attack.
SFGate.com reports that though the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has not yet made an official decision about legalizing bear hunting in Florida again, they appear to be receptive to the idea.
Though hunters in the state are already celebrating at the prospect of being able to hunt bear, opponents of legalizing hunting blame humans for an overpopulation of bears, especially those that don’t fear humans, like the record-breaker in Seminole County.
According to some, there should be tougher repercussions for people who feed bears or do no take measures on their property to keep bears out. Though a higher population of bears increases that chances that they will appear in residential neighborhoods, humans can also contribute to the problem.
Feeding bears can have penalties of up to a $500 fine and two months in jail, but people do still feed them. Additionally, putting food scraps in garbage cans can also attract bears. Opponents of reinstating the hunting of bears claim that these penalties should be harsher and better regulated.
