TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Last night, Governor DeSantis signed HB 87, “Taking of Bears” – marking a massive failure for Florida’s wildlife and residents alike.
As Florida law, HB 87 poses devastating consequences for our state. Built upon the bold-faced lie that Florida faces an epidemic of ‘crack bears’ that are ingesting illegal substances and destroying people’s homes, the legislation allows anyone to kill a bear at any time without permission from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Throughout the legislative session and beyond, Sierra Club Florida and its conservation partners have fought tirelessly against this extreme bill, which is unnecessary, threatens conservation, and is at odds with the state’s constitution that gives the FWC the sole authority to regulate wildlife in Florida. With fewer than 40 bear-human incidents reported since 2006, and no fatal bear attacks in Florida’s recorded history, HB 87 proposes a dangerous solution to an imaginary problem, and does the exact opposite of keeping our communities safe.
Floridians from far and wide joined Sierra Club Florida in the fight to stop HB 87 this session, with more than 2,600 signatures sent to Governor DeSantis and the Legislature demanding that they kill the bill, not Florida’s black bears.
Susannah Randolph, Sierra Club Florida Chapter Director said, “Governor DeSantis has delivered a major failure for Florida’s environment by signing HB 87 into law. Since its inception, Sierra Club Florida has called on the Governor to put a stop to this extreme bill, and we condemn him for approving this absurd and dangerous legislation."
Javier Estevez, Sierra Club Florida Acting Political Director said, “This session, Floridians from all sides of the political spectrum united to send a loud, clear message: Kill bad bills, not black bears. Governor DeSantis’ signing of HB 87 further demonstrates that he has no interest in serving the will of the people, or taking real, tangible action to protect Florida’s environment.”
###