Progress Florida

Support The Florida Black Bear Habitat Restoration Act

Sign the petition in support of the Florida Black Bear Habitat Restoration Act (SB 1304/HB 491) which would provide stronger legal protections for Florida’s black bears.

Here’s what the bill, sponsored by Sen. Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) and Rep. Amy Mercado (D-Orlando), would do:

  • Bans the hunting of mother bears with cubs.
  • Outlaws the harvest of saw-palmetto berries on public lands, which is a primary food source for black bears. Their depletion has led bears to raid dumpsters and enter neighborhoods in search of food.
  • Stops controlled burns on primary black bear habitats when they’re “denning” in the winter time.

There’s of course more to be done to protect Florida’s black bears, but this bill is an important start. Add your name to the petition today.

Petition In Support of the Florida Black Bear Habitat Restoration Act

We the undersigned support the Florida Black Bear Habitat Restoration Act. Florida's black bears are an iconic species in our state that need greater protections. This Act would help bring back black bear habitat by restoring their natural food supplies and prevent controlled burnings when bears are "denning" in the winter. Finally, the bill's prohibition on the hunting of mother bears is also long overdue.

We urge the Florida Legislature to pass this bill and for Gov. Scott to sign it into law.

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