A new map released Friday by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission shows the black bear population is up 138 percent in north Florida.
That’s the highest number in the state, according to the results of a statewide survey.
The FWC found where there was a high concentration of bears, they are more likely to come out of their habitat and into neighborhoods, putting people and property at risk.
New scientific estimates show Florida’s bear population is large and growing.
According to FWC, there are nearly 4,500 adult bears statewide.
The map from FWC shows north Florida has seen the biggest increase of bears in the state, a 138 percent jump since 2002.
People like Jerica Richardson said that increase fuels the argument that bear hunting should continue to be allowed in Florida.
"We grew up deer hunting, we went turkey hunting, we had all those different seasons, that's how we survived to have our food. We didn't grow up with a lot of money," Richardson said.
The new study did get some pushback from some people on Twitter. One woman wrote directly to FWC:
"I have never seen a black bear. Hopefully I do before you wipe them out for sport/profit!"
Last year, nearly 300 bears were killed during the first two days of the bear hunt. That fueled conversations about whether it should be allowed.
Sharie Carver in Ponte Vedra Beach thinks the bears should continue to thrive in north Florida without hunters interfering.
"I don't like the sport of it. It depends on what you're hunting them for. But I certainly don't like it if you're sort of getting a trophy to hang on your wall," Carver said.
FWC said it is going over information from the last bear hunt before they give any recommendations on another one.
Cox Media Group
