Overview
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission asked Judge Angela Dempsey to dismiss a lawsuit that challenges the hunt, citing its constitutional authority to manage wildlife.
- Bear Warriors United seeks a temporary injunction to halt the season, arguing the decision relies on stale data, lacks a sound scientific basis, and violates due process.
- Under the approved plan, permits are issued by lottery, each allows one bear, and the cap is 172 bears across four regions including Apalachicola, areas west of Jacksonville, north of Orlando, and Big Cypress.
- The International Order of T. Roosevelt filed an amicus brief asserting that the 2024 right-to-hunt amendment compels approval of the black bear season.
- Opponents are mobilizing protests ahead of the hearing, with Sierra Club Florida organizing a statewide rally and buses to Tallahassee.