The state reports that 52 black bears were killed during a regulated bear hunt this year, a controversial harvest that state wildlife officials are calling a “success” rooted in science.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) released the results this week following the hunt, which was authorized after contentious meetings in August and November.
While the FWC confirmed that 172 permits were issued via random drawing across four Bear Management Units, including the “Central” unit that encompasses Marion County and the Ocala National Forest, the agency did not disclose the specific locations where the 52 bears were harvested.
Consequently, it remains unclear how many bears were removed specifically from Marion County or the local forest lands.
“The 2025 black bear hunt, rooted in sound scientific data, was a success,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “We’re proud to have joined the more than 30 states that manage black bears with regulated hunting.”
The state says the hunt was strictly monitored, with every harvested bear physically checked by FWC staff.
“The limited number of permits issued in areas with the largest bear populations and other components of the hunt prioritized a conservative approach that ensures the long-term health of bear populations in Florida, while providing opportunity for hunters,” said Young.
Law enforcement reported high compliance among participating hunters: Out of the 172 permit holders, zero citations were issued, and only one hunter received a warning for a minor violation.
“Our officers maintained a strong, engaged presence throughout the hunt to help ensure it was conducted safely and legally,” said Colonel Alberto Maza, Director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “While our officers were there to uphold the rules, the primary focus was education. I’m proud of our officers for protecting this important resource and supporting the goals of the agency’s Bear Management Plan.”
In its statement, the FWC emphasized that the hunt is a tool for managing population growth, but not necessarily a solution for neighborhood nuisance issues.
“It is essential to recognize that managing bear populations does not necessarily mitigate human-bear conflicts,” the FWC statement read, noting that conflict prevention, including measures like securing trash, must continue.
A full harvest report analyzing the data collected from the 52 bears is expected to be released in the coming months, according to the state.
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