FLORIDA’S BLACK BEARS NEED US AGAIN.
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Florida is moving forward with another black bear hunt in 2026. The permit lottery opens September 11, and the statewide hunt begins December 5.

But there is something we can do right now.

BAG A TAG. SPARE A BEAR.

Bear Defenders is joining Sierra Club Florida’s Spare Our Bears campaign to help put bear hunting permits into the hands of people who have no intention of killing a bear. Every permit secured by someone committed to protecting bears is one less permit available to someone who intends to kill one.

APPLICATIONS OPEN SEPTEMBER 11

Florida has also authorized the use of dogs to pursue black bears during designated dog-training seasons beginning in 2026. In North Florida’s Zone C, bear hounding can begin with dog training on October 3. For the bear, there is no difference between “training” and hunting - it is still being pursued through the woods by a pack of dogs.

Bear Defenders will be monitoring and documenting this activity.

To learn more about bear hounding and the use of dogs to hunt wildlife, visit TheDogWars.com.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
 

1. Buy a tag and spare a bear.
    

2. Keeping signing and sharing our petition.
    

3. Follow us on social media for the latest updates. Stop The Bear Hunt