In this episode of the Florida Wildlife Podcast, hosts Mae and Kaylee delve into the fascinating world of the Florida Black Bear, discussing its unique characteristics, breeding and hibernation patterns, diet, and habitat. They also explore the controversial 2015 bear hunt that lasted only 48 hours due to the high number of bears killed, raising questions about wildlife management and conservation efforts in Florida. The conversation highlights the complexities of balancing wildlife populations with human interactions and the ongoing challenges faced by the Florida Black Bear.

Episode Timestamps: 

📍00:00 Introduction to Florida's Wildlife Podcast

📍02:20 Exploring the Florida Black Bear

📍22:29 The 2015 Florida Black Bear Hunt and Its Impact

📍27:11 Understanding Bear Population Management

📍30:28 The Economics of Bear Hunting

📍32:31 Regional Breakdown of Bear Harvests

📍37:34 Hunting Regulations and Their Impact

📍42:44 Public Sentiment and Controversy

📍48:38 Future of Bear Management and Conservation

Resources & Links:

🔹FWC April 2nd Virtual Public Meeting 2025

🔹FWC April 3rd Virtual Public Meeting 2025

🔹FWC April 5th Virtual Public Meeting 2025

🔹FWC Email Subscription Updates and Alerts

🔹FWC Black Bear Biology

🔹2015 Florida Black Bear Hunt Summary Report

🔹FWC Estimating Bear Abundance

🔹FWC Draft May Meeting

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