The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released a memo providing the first detailed look at what a potential black bear hunt could entail in the Sunshine State. The document, released this week, outlines proposed rules for a limited-entry hunting opportunity, signaling a significant step in the discussion surrounding bear management.
This development comes as the FWC also concluded its initial investigation into the first recorded fatal Florida black bear attack in the state’s history, which occurred earlier this month in Jerome, a community in Collier County.
On Monday, May 5th, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office alerted FWC staff to a potential fatal wildlife encounter. Family members of 89-year-old Robert Markel had reported him missing from his residence, noting signs of recent disturbances around the property that suggested the presence of bears.
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FWC law enforcement and bear management personnel immediately responded to secure the area and to initiate protocols for the lethal removal of any bears suspected of involvement.
The remains of Mr. Markel were discovered approximately 100 yards from his home.
Investigators documented several critical findings at the scene: evidence of a physical altercation between a bear and a person near the residence, a dog recently killed by a bear in close proximity to a person, and indications that a bear had entered the victim’s home.
The precise sequence of events leading to the fatal encounter remains under investigation by the Collier County Medical Examiner, who has indicated that preliminary findings are consistent with injuries inflicted by a black bear.
Following FWC’s Human-Bear Conflict Response Policies and Guidelines, three adult male bears were lethally removed. The bears weighed 207, 263, and 434 pounds. An attempt to trap a fourth bear was unsuccessful, but DNA evidence was collected.
READ: FWC To Hold Public Meeting On Potential Black Bear Hunting In Florida
DNA results on Friday, May 9th, positively identified the presence of the 263-pound male bear’s DNA on Mr. Markel, inside his residence, and on the deceased dog. Necropsy results revealed that the male bear contained partial human remains identified as belonging to Mr. Markel.
FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto expressed his condolences: “We want to thank the family for their cooperation as they navigate this challenging time, and our thoughts remain with them. I am proud of our staff’s professional response and support for the family as they faced an unfathomable event this week.”
While incidents of wild black bears injuring people in Florida are rare, the FWC emphasizes that people have been bitten and scratched in the past, often when cubs, food sources, or dogs are present. The agency receives an average of 6,300 bear-related calls annually. It has documented 42 prior incidents of physical contact between wild black bears and people since the 1970s, with three resulting in serious injuries before this tragic event.
Potential Black Bear Hunt Rules
Against this backdrop, the FWC’s newly released memo outlines proposed rules for a limited-entry hunting season that could only happen between October 1st and December 31st. This timeframe suggests an effort to avoid the bears’ active breeding season and allow for population assessments prior to any potential harvest.
While the guidelines don’t specify an exact number of bears that could be taken, the FWC indicates that the harvest quotas would be determined based on regional population assessments within designated Bear Management Units (BMUs) having a bear population estimate exceeding 200.
This proposal comes on the heels of FWC reports indicating a substantial recovery in Florida’s black bear population, increasing from just several hundred bears in the 1970s to an estimated over 4,000 bears today. This population growth has led to increased interactions between humans and bears in some areas, fueling the debate over potential management strategies, including limited hunting.
READ: Black Bear Attack Marks Somber First In Florida History, Highlights Complex Coexistence
The proposed rules also detail the process for obtaining a Bear Harvest Permit. Individuals would be able to apply through the FWC’s online licensing system. The selection process would involve a random drawing, and applicants would be required to pay a non-refundable application fee followed by a permit fee if selected. The permits would be limited to one per person and valid only for a specific Bear Harvest Zone. Notably, no more than 10% of awarded permits would be allocated to non-residents.
The memo also touches upon hunting requirements, including the need for licenses and permits, regulations regarding the use of dogs (with future allowances for pursuing bears with dogs under specific conditions starting in 2027), tagging and reporting protocols for harvested bears, and rules concerning the processing and possession of bear parts.
Furthermore, the FWC is proposing a Private Lands Bear Harvest Program beginning January 1, 2026. This program would allow landowners with at least 5,000 contiguous acres of suitable bear habitat to apply for permits to hunt bears on their property under specific guidelines, including the development of a Bear Habitat Management Plan and annual bear population surveys.
READ: FWC Kills 3 Florida Bears Following Suspected Fatal Attack On Elderly Man In Collier County
The confluence of the first recorded fatal bear attack and the release of proposed hunting rules is likely to intensify the debate surrounding black bear management in Florida.
While the FWC has emphasized the rarity of such attacks, the tragic incident in Collier County may add a new dimension to the discussions about coexistence and the potential role of hunting in managing bear populations.
The FWC is expected to further discuss these proposed rules in the coming months, and the public will likely have opportunities to provide input as the state grapples with the complexities of a growing bear population and human safety.
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