Hunt supporters argued the Florida’s Black Bear population, which FWC estimates to be approaching 4,000 bears, has reached a healthy level. They suggested recent incidents like the first-ever Floridian to be killed by a Black Bear earlier this month and other recent sightings in urban areas show a hunt is long overdue.

At a December Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting after receiving an update on the commission's bear management plan, board chair Rodney Barreto told staff to develop a bear hunting option for commissioners to consider.