Bear hunting has long stirred controversy in Florida. FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto defended the agency’s move, saying “Hunting is a biologically sound method to slow population growth, resulting in a healthy and well-managed Florida black bear population for the future.”

A key point of contention is the actual number of bears in Florida and the effectiveness of the proposed hunting regulations.

The story of Holt Collier, the bear guide for President Theodore Roosevelt on his famous 1902 Mississippi hunt.

Florida wildlife officials are meeting in Ocala to discuss the potential reintroduction of bear hunts, marking the first time in a decade this issue has been considered. More than 160 people have signed up to speak at the meeting,

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports the bear population has grown to over 4,000 statewide.

Bear Grylls has said that Holly Willoughby hasn’t had an ‘easy journey’ as he provided an update on Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt’s future. Premiering on the streaming platform back in February, the series saw 12 stars being dropped in a Costa Rican jungle and hunted down by Bear.