The BriefFlorida officials are reconsidering bear hunting, nearly a decade after the last hunt was cut short. Conservationists argue habitat loss, not overpopulation, is the real threat, while proponents say hunting helps manage bear numbers.

FWC said in Thursday's meeting the range occupied by bears in the state increased from 17 percent in 1993 to 51 percent in 2020.

The controversial topic of bear hunting is back up for discussion in Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a virtual public meeting to gauge the public’s interest in hosting their first bear hunt in 10 years.