Florida Announces 2025 Black Bear Hunt Results and Insights

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has reported that a total of 52 black bears were harvested during the state’s 2025 black bear hunt, which was conducted under new regulations approved earlier this year. The hunt occurred within designated Bear Hunting Zones established in four of the state’s seven Bear Management Units.

Following public consultations held in August and November 2025, the FWC commissioners finalized amendments to the bear hunting rules. These changes came into effect for the 2025 hunting season, allowing the issuance of 172 permits through a random drawing across the East Panhandle, North, Central, and South units. Each permit authorized the harvest of one bear within a specified zone, reflecting a management strategy aimed at sustaining bear populations.

FWC Executive Director Roger Young remarked on the success of this regulated hunt, stating, “The 2025 black bear hunt, rooted in sound scientific data, was a success.” He highlighted the agency’s commitment to joining over 30 states that utilize regulated hunting as a method of wildlife management. The limited number of permits, issued in areas with the largest bear populations, underscores a conservative approach to ensure the long-term health of Florida’s bear populations.

Management and Compliance Efforts

The FWC emphasized the importance of regulated hunting as a foundational wildlife management tool. George Warthen, Chief Conservation Officer, noted that hunting plays a vital role in managing wildlife populations globally, aligning with the principles of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. He stated, “It’s about helping bears succeed over the long term in our state and is a way for us to guide an iconic Florida species into the future, for their benefit and ours.”

In preparation for the hunt, the FWC Division of Law Enforcement enhanced staffing and outreach efforts, focusing on education and compliance. During the hunt, officials interacted with numerous hunters, resulting in only one warning issued for a minor violation in a Wildlife Management Area, with no citations filed. Col. Alberto Maza, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement, affirmed, “Our officers maintained a strong, engaged presence throughout the hunt to help ensure it was conducted safely and legally.” He emphasized that the primary focus was on education to support the goals of the agency’s Bear Management Plan.

The regulated hunting strategy is part of the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan, which aims to manage population growth effectively in areas hosting significant bear subpopulations. While hunting can assist in managing wildlife numbers, FWC officials noted that it does not inherently reduce human-bear conflicts, which continue to necessitate ongoing education and prevention initiatives.

For further details on regulated bear hunting in Florida, visit MyFWC.com/hunting/bear. Additional tips on minimizing human-bear conflicts and general information about black bears can be found at MyFWC.com/wildlifehabitats by selecting “Wildlife” and then “Black Bears,” as well as at BearWise.org.