TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Black bears in Florida will continue to be off limits to hunters. The bears used to number only in the low hundreds and were once declared a threatened species in the 1970s.
SPECIAL SECTION: Protecting Paradise
But since then, their numbers have exploded, and there are now about 4,000 of the animals roaming the state. The population explosion has been a concern.
Commissioners adopted a 10-year management plan Wednesday that they say takes a scientific approach in controlling the rising numbers.
For now, though, that plan won't include hunting -- although commissioners say the matter may be revisited.
