Florida’s Black Bear Hunt Moves Forward — What It Means for Charlotte, Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
Florida wildlife officials have approved the state’s first regulated black bear hunt in 10 years, a decision drawing statewide attention — including here in Southwest Florida, where bears are occasionally spotted but hunting zones remain uncertain.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to authorize a limited hunt from December 6–28, 2025, with 187 permits issued statewide. Hunters will be allowed to take one bear per permit, and cubs under 100 pounds or mothers with cubs will remain protected.
Local Impact: Are Southwest Counties Included?
Although bear sightings occur across Charlotte, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties, FWC has not confirmed whether any of the new hunting zones include these areas. Officially, only certain regions within Florida’s designated Bear Management Units (BMUs) are open for the 2025 season, and Southwest Florida is not currently listed among the primary hunt zones.
FWC distribution maps show that black bears continue to expand their range, with documented activity across inland and rural areas of these counties. However, unless FWC adds additional zones or issues updated maps, no active hunt is expected locally this December.
Local wildlife officers say residents may still see bears moving through neighborhoods or natural corridors, particularly in eastern Charlotte County, rural sections of DeSoto County, and parts of Sarasota bordering large conservation areas.
Why the Hunt Was Approved
FWC officials say Florida’s black bear population has rebounded from historic lows — rising from a few hundred in the 1970s to more than 4,000 today. The agency argues that regulated hunting, combined with habitat management, helps reduce human-bear conflicts in the areas with the densest populations.
Conservation groups strongly disagree. Opponents argue that bear conflicts are driven more by habitat loss and unsecured garbage than overpopulation. Several organizations, including Bear Warriors United, have filed lawsuits seeking to halt the hunt, claiming FWC used outdated data and did not follow public-input requirements.
Southwest Florida Reaction
Residents in Charlotte, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties remain divided. Some welcome the hunt as a management tool, while others worry it could set a precedent for expanded hunting into regions where bear numbers are lower and sightings are infrequent.
Local wildlife advocates say Southwest Florida’s focus should remain on education, bear-proof trash containers, and maintaining natural corridors as development continues to push eastward.
What’s Next
The bear hunt is scheduled to proceed unless a court intervenes. FWC is expected to release final zone maps ahead of permit distribution. For now, Southwest Florida residents are encouraged to stay informed — even if the hunt does not directly affect local counties this year.
