Wildlife groups condemn approval of ‘barbaric’ Florida black bear hunt

Commission approves limited season despite calls of cruelty over use of bows and arrows, food traps and dogs

Wildlife groups have condemned a decision by regulators in Florida to allow the hunting of black bears for the first time in a decade, and to permit “barbaric” practices including the use of bait traps, archery and dog packs.

The unanimous vote by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Wednesday to approve a limited hunting season in December followed a presentation from staff insisting that a rising bear population and increasing encounters with humans warranted a reduction in numbers.