Conservation Group Sues Florida To Halt Spring Black Bear Hunt

In Manitoba, the Winnipeg Humane Society is advocating for a ban on spring black bear hunting due to ethical concerns, particularly the use of bait which they argue compromises fair chase and leads to orphaned bear cubs. Opponents like outfitter Mike Adey defend the practice, claiming it helps manage bear populations and supports hunters harvesting meat and hides responsibly. Meanwhile, in Florida, Bear Warriors United has filed a lawsuit challenging the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's approval of the state's first bear hunt in a decade, arguing the decision violates legal requirements and relies on outdated population data. The lawsuit contends that allowing hunters to kill up to 187 bears risks irreparable harm and is not based on scientific wildlife management. The commission has not commented on the litigation but maintains that the hunt is part of managing the bear population as humans increasingly coexist with bears. These debates highlight ongoing tensions between conservation efforts, hunting practices, and wildlife management policies in North America.