The state reports that 52 black bears were killed during a regulated bear hunt this year, a controversial harvest that state wildlife officials are calling a “success” rooted in science.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) released the results this week following the hunt, which was authorized after contentious meetings in August and November.
While the FWC confirmed that 172 permits were issued via random drawing across four Bear Management Units, including the “Central” unit that encompasses Marion County and the Ocala National Forest, the agency did not disclose the specific locations where the 52 bears were harvested…