The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has voted to authorize a trophy black bear hunt this December, despite admitting that Florida’s bear population has not grown since 2015. This decision ignores both science and the will of the people. Most Floridians do not want this cruel hunt to return.
I have been advocating for wildlife since 1986. I will never forget the heartbreak of the 2015 hunt that killed more than 300 bears, including lactating mothers and tiny cubs. The images from those days—bears bleeding, babies lying beside their mothers in truck beds—are forever etched in my mind.
Advocates from across the state traveled to Ocala to speak during the meeting, each using their one minute to stand for the bears. Despite overwhelming opposition, all but one commissioner voted against them. My gratitude goes to Commissioner Steve Hudson, the lone voice of compassion in that room.
The approved plan makes the future even more dangerous for Florida’s bears. Hidden in the “Alternative Two” proposal are changes that allow bears to be baited to feeding stations, chased down by dogs until too exhausted to run, shot after climbing a tree, and hunted on private lands. Hunters will no longer be required to bring their kills to check stations—just a simple email within 24 hours saying, “yes, I killed a bear,” will suffice.
These changes strip away nearly all oversight and open the door to an unthinkable loss of life.
It’s not too late to speak out. Please urge Governor DeSantis and the FWC to reverse this decision and protect Florida’s bears in a way that reflects the compassion and values of the people they serve.
See the BEanAnimalHero Billboard
See the BEanAnimalHero Billboard at
N. Monroe 556′ North of Bradford Rd facing
South and W. Tennessee St @ Whitehall Facing East
✉️ Take Action Now:
Tell decision-makers you oppose the 2025 bear hunt and want compassionate, science-based wildlife management.
Email or call Governor Ron DeSantis. Ask him to REJECT the planned trophy bear killings
Phone: (850) 717-9337
Email: GovernorRon.Desantis@eog.myflorida.com
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and tell them loud and clear: No Bear Massacre
Phone: (850) 488-4676
Email: commissioners@myfwc.com, Rodney.Barreto@myfwc.com, Steven.Hudson@myfwc.com, Preston.Farrior@myfwc.com, Sonya.Rood@myfwc.com, Albert.Maury@myfwc.com, Gary.Nicklaus@myfwc.com, Gary.Lester@myfwc.com
Your voice can help save lives. Please speak up today.
BeAnAnimalHero in the News:
Protesters rally in Palm Beach Gardens against Florida black bear hunt
CBS12 — Days ahead of the FWC vote, protesters in Palm Beach Gardens slam Florida’s potential black bear hunt as a looming “massacre.”
I fear Florida’s FWC-authorized bear hunt will be a bloody, cruel massacre | Opinion
THE PALM BEACH POST — Shame on Gov. Ron DeSantis for allowing the commissioners he appointed to create this hunting mayhem.
The most magical moments helping injured or orphaned wildlife involve seeing the rescued bird soar upwards into the horizon, watching a fox slip away, sleekly, into the wild brush or witnessing a raccoon or an opossum amble off. Marveling at the beauty of wildlife serves as a balm for the strife of fighting to protect animals from harm.
Rally held at Lake Eola to oppose proposed black bear hunt
Animal rights advocates gathered at Lake Eola Park on Sunday to protest a proposed black bear hunt in Florida, urging the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to reject the plan.
Susan Hargreaves Reaches Millions with Opinion Editorial in Orlando Sentinel & South Florida Sun Sentinel
👉 Read my full Sun-Sentinel article here to understand what’s at stake—and how you can help stop the slaughter.
Let’s show up for the bears. Let’s be their voice.
— Susan Hargreaves, Founder of Animal Hero Kids
