Florida's new bill aims to allow residents to kill bears for self-defense and property protection. But, the legislation needs to go before Florida House Committee on Tuesday, Dec. 12, first.
As of writing, hunting bears in Florida is illegal. This activity was first regulated way back in 1936 and continued until 1994 in certain parts of the state.
A grizzly bear cub named Juneau stands during her first day out in public at the Palm Beach Zoo on December 17, 2015, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo will host two orphaned female grizzly bear cubs until their new permanent home in a South Dakota zoo is completed.
Now, if the new anti-bear legislation turns into law, Florida's residents can start killing bears for the safety of their properties and themselves.
Florida's New Bill to Allow Killing Bears
According to Fox News' latest report, the new bill called the "Self Defense Act" allows people to use lethal force against harmful bears, especially if they feel threatened and believe that force is critical to protect themselves or their private properties.
Before the bill is turned into law, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will present the needed information to lawmakers from the House Agriculture, Conservation, and Resiliency Subcommittee so that Florida black bear's history can be properly discussed.
Among the topics they will talk about is the black bear's growing population ever since it was taken off the threatened species list in 2012. However, many bear advocates are against the new Self Defense Act bill.
They argued that although FWC's data shows that human-to-bear conflicts are increasing across the state, including in residential areas as the animals search for food, the new bill isn't really necessary.
"If you move into this area, you have to do your homework," said Joe Humphreys, a Seminole County resident.
"Do your due diligence," he added.
Humphreys explained that he support the Second Amendment's right to self-defense. However, he clarified that this shouldn't apply to wild animals.
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About Florida's Pro-Bear Killing Bill
Grizzly bear cubs, Juneau & Sitka, stand during their first day out in the public at the Palm Beach Zoo on December 17, 2015, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo will host the two orphaned female grizzly bear cubs until their new permanent home in a South Dakota zoo is completed.
Florida Today reported that the new Self Defense Act bill will allow residents to kill bears without being subjected to any civil, criminal, or administrative penalties.
But, they need to notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 24 hours after killing the bear. Aside from these, residents are not allowed to possess, dispose of, or sell the dead animal or its parts.
Once the dead bear's body is surrendered, FWC officials will be the ones to dispose of it. When it comes to the actual killing, the legislation strictly prohibits luring or provoking a bear.
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