We the Citizens request to be represented by Hillsborough County in opposition to any future Florida bear hunts. The bear hunt of 2015 contradicted the science which identified low genetic diversity, land fragmentation, and reduction of habitat.
Furthermore, the hunt was ill-managed, resulting in more permits sold than estimated bears in the state, underweight bears being killed, lactating mothers who were killed leaving a high number of orphaned cubs, as well as no oversight on private land, where the majority of bears were hunted.
A resolution against the bear hunt sends a clear signal that the citizens and counties in Florida insist on true conservation methods for our iconic wildlife.
Why is this important?
The bear hunt of 2015 was opposed by 75% of the state based on email responses and public media polls. Since then public media polls are up to 92% in opposition to the hunt. FWC is still contemplating another hunt and we, the citizens, would like to gain representation through our counties to demonstrate our opposition to the hunt and influence the FWC commissioners to opt against any future hunt.
