Florida kicks off first black bear hunt in a decade, despite pushback

For the first time in a decade, hunters are fanning out across Florida to legally hunt the Florida black bear.

• Dec 6

Conservation group argues Florida's bear hunt not based on "sound" science

Arguing that Florida's decision to hold a bear hunt in December is not based on "sound" science and research, a conservation group​ this week asked a judge for an emergency temporary injunction to halt the hunt.

• Oct 23

Man killed in suspected bear attack sent pictures of bear to his family

His body had extensive injuries consistent with those expected from a large carnivore attack, the sheriff said.

• Oct 3

More than 160,000 apply for Florida's first bear hunt in a decade

Florida's first bear hunt in a decade drew more than 160,000 applicants for just 172 permits.

• Sep 23

Florida black bear hunt spurs outcry, conservation efforts amid lottery for permits

There has not been a bear hunt in 10 years, but recently, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sanctioned a hunt set for December.

• Sep 20

Conservation group drops challenge to Florida bear hunt after legal dispute

An administrative law judge issued an order granting the group's request to withdraw the challenge to a proposed rule about the hunt.

• Aug 22

Florida's first black bear hunt in a decade approved despite strong opposition

The first black bear hunt in Florida in a decade will take place in December under a rule adopted Wednesday by state wildlife officials.

• Aug 13

Wildlife officials to approve rules for Florida's first bear hunt in 10 years

Bear hunting has long been a controversial issue in Florida, with opponents saying that killing bears for sport won't reduce human-bear interactions. But calls to hold a hunt have been growing.

• Jul 24

Florida black bear caught on camera taking hot tub dip

A black bear stunned residents of a luxury Florida community by lounging in a hot tub and napping under a lanai before being safely relocated.

• Jun 11

Florida approves first black bear hunt in 10 years, amid strong opposition

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has given preliminary approval for a black bear hunt for December and into the future.

• May 21

Black bear hunt approved in Florida amid strong opposition

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has given preliminary approval for a black bear hunt for December and into the future.

• May 21
• 00:23

Tests link black bear killed by Florida officers to fatal attack on man and his dog

Officials say lab results have connected one of three black bears killed by wildlife officers in southwest Florida to a fatal attack on a man and his dog a day earlier.

• May 9

Florida officials kill 3 bears that may have fatally attacked man, dog

The man who died has been identified as 89-year-old Robert Markel, a long-time resident of a small community in Collier County.

• May 6

Florida man, dog killed in suspected black bear attack, officials say

The attack occurred in a rural area east of Naples, just south of Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, authorities said.

• May 5

Bear attack kills man, dog in Collier County, authorities say

A man and his dog were killed in a suspected black bear attack in rural southwest Florida, prompting a search for the animal and warnings for residents to stay away from the area, state wildlife officials said Monday.

• May 5
• 00:51

Wildlife officials to hold meetings about Florida bear hunts

FWC Executive Director Roger Young said that the first meeting, open to anyone "who wants to provide feedback" on a potential bear hunt, will be held on March 13.

• Feb 26

Brazen black bear caught on camera walking up to front door of Florida home

Police said the homeowner had seen the bear on his trail camera previously, but the inquisitive creature “is now coming closer to the residence.

• Jul 18, 2024
• 00:39

Black bear relocated after being spotted in downtown Fort Myers

A 350-pound black bear was spotted in downtown Fort Myers. The bear was relocated to an area away from populated areas.

• May 7, 2024
• 00:34

Bear rescued from bombed-out Ukrainian zoo gets new home in Scotland

Ukrainian troops seized a bombed-out zoo in the midst of fighting in 2022, rescuing Yampil, an Asiatic black bear, in the nick of time.

• Jan 20, 2024

Bear captured at Magic Kingdom

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have captured a black bear and were working to relocate it after the animal prompted Walt Disney World officials to close several rides and attractions at the Central Florida theme

• Sep 18, 2023
• 00:34

VIDEO: Officials remove black bear seen that prompts closure of some Disney World rides

Park officials told CBS News they were reopening Adventureland, Frontierland and Liberty Square while biologists and law enforcement officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission worked on capturing the bear.

• Sep 18, 2023
• 01:00

Florida won't host bear hunt event this year

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials confirmed Thursday that the state won't hold a bear hunt this year.

• Jul 20, 2023

Bear spotted in Homestead. Here's what to do if you encounter one

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, black bears can be found almost anywhere in Florida

• Jul 14, 2023

Caught On Camera: Bear roaming Homestead neighborhoods

Miami-Dade Animal Services and Florida Fish and Wildlife were notified

• Jul 14, 2023
• 00:39

Bear fatally shot after escape, attack on Florida zookeeper

The escape happened in a behind-the-scenes area at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

• Dec 22, 2022

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