- December 4, 2025
Dear Editor:
Many residents of Palm Coast have expressed an interest in and appreciation of our natural environment. We have seen manatees, alligators, snakes, bobcats, deer, Florida panthers (mountain lion), and even the black bear. When a situation comes up that may threaten this wonderful rainbow of native creatures living all around us we must take steps to prevent this from happening.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff has presented a plan to the commissioners for their approval to initiate a statewide bear hunting season beginning this December. Research shows that the bear is an animal that responds poorly to hunting. This was evidenced the last time Florida had a bear hunt in 2015. Breeding is a slow and dangerous process for bears, and their genetics call for protecting, not removing, the alpha or apex individuals in order to maintain the overall health of the species.
So, I am asking all those, like me, concerned about wildlife to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife commission (myfwc.com) and state your objections to this plan. It won’t work, and it’s up to us to stop it.
Jeffery C. Seib
Palm Coast
