52 Bears Dead: Florida’s Holiday Hunting Nightmare
Austin, TX – While families gathered for Christmas, Florida hunters were stalking black bears through state forests. The result? 52 dead bears and a community torn apart over what officials call “wildlife management” and critics label a “bloody spectacle.”
This wasn’t some rogue operation. Florida’s own wildlife commission approved it—despite 81% of residents saying “no way.”
The Hunt Nobody Asked For
Between December 6-28, hunters armed with bows and rifles tracked bears across four management zones. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) handed out 172 permits, calling it a “conservative approach.”
But here’s the kicker: Florida has only 4,000 black bears. That’s not overpopulation—that’s recovery from near-extinction in the 1970s.
Why This Hits Different for Dog Lovers
As a 21-year canine behavior expert, I can tell you: the phased plan to use dog packs in future hunts crosses a line. Training dogs to chase terrified wildlife creates aggression, trauma, and dangerous habits that bleed into domestic life.
Only 17 states allow dogs in bear hunting. Florida’s about to join them.
Read Also – He Killed This Innocent Dog Before His Murder Spree
The 2015 Disaster They’re Repeating
Remember Florida’s last bear hunt? Officials planned three weeks. They got 48 hours—because hunters killed nearly 300 bears, including pregnant mothers and cubs.
Ten years later, they’re doing it again. Different numbers, same heartbreak.
What Floridians Are Really Saying
Kate MacFall from Humane World for Animals didn’t mince words: “Trophy hunters gloating over slaughtered bears” during the holidays is “deeply upsetting.”
One hunter, Frank Richardson, killed a 170-pound bear in Wakulla County. He called it “a learning curve.” For who—the dead bear?
The Science Doesn’t Add Up
FWC claims this is about “sound scientific data.” Wildlife groups call it bloodlust disguised as management.
Here’s what’s real: human-bear conflicts happen when we build in their habitat. The solution isn’t killing bears—it’s securing garbage, removing attractants, and coexisting smarter.
5 Things Every Animal Lover Should Know
- Your voice matters: 81% opposed this hunt, yet it happened anyway
- Dog packs are next: Future hunts will traumatize both wild and domestic animals
- Population isn’t the issue: 4,000 bears across an entire state isn’t overpopulation
- Pregnant bears died in 2015: “Management” killed nursing mothers and unborn cubs
- This sets precedent: Other states watch Florida’s wildlife policies closely
What Happens Next?
FWC promises a “full harvest report” in coming months. Translation: we’ll find out where each bear died, how old they were, and whether history repeated itself with nursing mothers.
Meanwhile, 52 families of bears won’t see another Florida sunrise.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about hunting traditions or outdoor heritage. It’s about whether we value wildlife beyond their trophy potential—and whether government agencies listen when 4 out of 5 residents scream “stop.”
Florida just proved the answer is no.
Think about it: If 81% of people oppose something, but it happens anyway, what does that say about whose interests really matter?
Share this with anyone who loves animals, cares about Florida, or wonders why wildlife “management” looks more like wildlife elimination.
