Volusia County council members are calling for a ban on bear hunts, at least in the county.

  • Volusia County wants to stop the state from allowing bear hunts in the county
  • Last year 304 bears were killed in the state's first hunt in over 20 years
  • FWC to discuss another hunt at the June meeting

Jamie Schertler lives in the River Bend Acres subdivision near Ormond Beach, an area so familiar with bears in backyards that the landowner's association posted a sign letting everyone know bears could pop out of nowhere at any time.

One bear visits Schertler's home frequently.

"He's been in our yard picking through the trash, he has been resting against a tree," said Schertler.

Schertler and countless other county residents applaud Volusia County council's idea to try to ban bear hunting.

"I agree that they should stop it. It was upsetting to me when they killed the bears, especially when I hear that so many mother bears were killed and the cubs were left alone," said Schertler.

More than 300 bears were hunted and killed last year during the state's first sanctioned bear hunt in decades. About 20 of those bears were killed in Volusia County.

The state is considering another bear hunt. Florida Fish and Wildlife officials are expected to discuss options at the June meeting in Apalachicola.

The resolution passed by council members will head to FWC officials in Tallahassee, telling state leaders that should a second bear hunt happen, Volusia County doesn't want it to happen in county homeowner's backyards.

New estimates released in March show Florida's bear population is up 60 percent compared to estimates done in 2002.