Yes, if you didn't know, Florida is home for The Florida Black Bear (the only kind that lives in the state). They are subspecies of the American Black Bear. The large black-furred bears live mainly in forested areas and have seen recent habitat reduction throughout the state. On June 27, 2012 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) delisted the Florida Black Bear from the state threatened species list. Successful conservation of the Florida black bear was confirmed by the FWC’s 2011 Biological Status Review, which reported the bear to be no longer at high risk of extinction.
For this reason, for the first time in 20 years the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will consider allowing a bear hunt in Florida. And that's why these defenseless creatures need your help; they don't have a voice to say no, but WE DO!.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) is hosting a peaceful protest outside of the FWC meeting. Click here to check the Facebook event for this protest.
Protest day and time: Wednesday, February 4 from 8:00am to 9:00am.
Location: Hyatt Regency, 225 E. Coastline Drive, Jacksonville (directions); They will gather outside the front entrance, on the riverfront.
The FWC meeting is open to the public. Following the protest, you can attend the meeting and speak against reopening bear hunting (if you don't wish to speak, you can fill out a comment card).
Can’t make it to the demonstration? You can still help!
Please call the FWC at (850) 488-4676 and let them know that you are opposed to reopening a hunt on Florida's black bear. It's very easy and it only takes a couple of minutes because they are taking comments from the public and have a staff dedicated to this (no long hours on hold).
We might still have a chance to protect The Florida Black Bear. Although bear numbers have grown, hunting will threaten a still-recovering population. Without significant opposition, hunting could begin as early as this Fall.
For more information on The American Rights Foundation of Florida and this protest, please visit their website www.arff.org.
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