Florida Bear Hunt

During my interview with Maria Davidson of Safari Club International, we discussed the recent Florida bear hunt and the conservation science that supports regulated hunting in the state. Maria explained that Florida’s bear hunts are not about reducing wildlife indiscriminately, but about responsibly managing finite habitat resources while balancing wildlife populations with increasing land use and human interaction. Much like deer management in the Northeast, Florida must consider food availability, carrying capacity, and long-term sustainability to ensure bears—and other wildlife—can thrive. Maria detailed how Florida’s bear population management plan is rooted in state-of-the-art science. Population surveys rely on real data and indices to determine saturation levels in core habitat areas, rather than assumptions or public perception. She emphasized that these surveys are not conducted annually but revisited every two to three bear generations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Florida’s approach is species-specific, focused solely on bears due to the state’s limited habitat, and should not be misconstrued as a reflection of management strategies for other wildlife species. Our conversation also explored bear population management strategies, including how harvest levels are used to slow, stabilize, or adjust population growth when necessary. Maria noted that a healthy bear population does not always mean one that is constantly growing. Sustainable populations can exist even at lower numbers, as seen in states like Louisiana, which has successfully conducted bear hunts. I shared my own observations of increased bear sightings in New York over the past 15 to 18 years, underscoring how bear populations—and management challenges—vary widely by region. Finally, Maria highlighted the data-driven and adaptive management approach used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Through tools such as hair snare projects, genetic identification, and tracking of female bears with collars, FWC gathers critical information to guide future decisions, including tag allocations for upcoming seasons like 2026. We also addressed common misconceptions about hunting, emphasizing its essential role in conservation funding, wildlife management, and education. Maria stressed the importance of transparency and outreach—particularly to landowners and the broader public—to better communicate how regulated hunting directly supports conservation efforts across Florida and beyond.