Black bears were listed as threatened in 2012, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission held an unpopular hunt in 2015.

Florida wildlife officials have taken a major step toward reinstating a black bear hunt for the first time in nearly a decade.

Ten years ago, Florida held a black bear hunt that resulted in more than 300 animals killed in just two days before it was halted early. It was controversial from the start and hasn’t happened since — until possibly later this year amid strong opposition once again.