ORLANDO, Fla. — Dozens of animal rights advocated gathered at Lake Eola Park on Sunday to protest a proposed black bear hunt in Florida.
The rally, themed, “We Will Fight This Lethal Travesty for Black Bears,” comes ahead of a key vote by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The FWC is currently considering a proposal to allow a black bear hunt in December of this year.
“The solution is not to kill bears. Most Floridians do not want bears killed,” Susan Hargreaves, founder of Animal Hero Kids, said. “We can live without killing bears.”
Organizers say a larger rally is planned for May 17.
Nearly 10 years have passed since Florida last held a bear hunt. According to FWC, the purpose of the hunt was to stabilize the state’s growing bear population “with suitable habitat,” and to maintain a healthy balance of bears to humans.
They said it also adds economic benefits, a reason to consider another hunt.
The next commission meetings regarding a bear hunt will take place on May 21 and 22 in Ocala.