NewsProtecting Paradise

Actions

Black bears in Florida to remain off limits to hunters

File photo
Posted
and last updated

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.