Success: Season’s Bear Hunt Canceled

Target: Nick Wiley, Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Goal: Thank Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for canceling the 2016 black bear hunting season.

Florida black bears will not be shot and killed this year by hunters, thanks to several members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voting against this activity taking place. We need to thank them so that they know we 100 percent support this vicious hunt being canceled.

Although worry over running into black bears made hunting them legal in 2015, more commissioners are now realizing that if such hunts continue this beautiful animal may one day be completely wiped out. These particular commissioners also believe that such worries can be alleviated if the public is better informed as to how to most likely avoid such encounters. For example, it is thought that showing people how to properly store their trash will help to ensure that humans will stumble upon these animals less often. Commissioners are even giving grants to communities so that citizens can be provided with bear-resistant trash cans.

Thank the FWC and advocates like those at ForceChange for fighting to ban the 2016 Florida black bear hunt. Without the hard work and help of these people, many of these majestic creatures would likely soon be dead.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Executive Director Wiley,

It has come to our attention that the 2016 Florida black bear hunt has been canceled. We would like to thank you for making this wonderful decision, as it helps to ensure that these animals will remain safe.

While seeing a black bear at close proximity likely presents an uncomfortable situation for many people, we believe there are much better ways to deal with humans and bears occupying the same area. It is therefore wonderful that citizens are being encouraged to learn about why many bear encounters occur and what people can do to avoid unfavorable outcomes when coming in contact with these animals. Additionally, providing citizens with bear-resistant trash cans is an excellent idea and may help more people to realize that killing the bears is unnecessary.

Please know that we stand behind your decision and that we will continue to support any decisions made in favor of saving Florida black bears. Once more, we greatly appreciate you standing up for the bears by canceling the 2016 hunting season. Not allowing people to kill them is an excellent way to ensure that they will be around for years to come.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Rikkisrefuge Other