Given the numbers FWC reported in their 2000 survey, and reports on reproductive rate of black bear in studies they included in the initial Black Bear Management Plan, the population should be 4 times what they currently suggest. Additional studies conducted in the Ocala National Forest however placed reproduction and the survival rate of black bear cubs at nearly twice what the study cited in the initial management plan reported.

Furthermore less than 30% of the total area of the state was surveyed in their study, as the management plan clearly indicates that only Primary Habit is surveyed. It also states that secondary habitat is difficult to survey so they don’t. Cities and densely populated urban areas are not considered habitat, and are not surveyed. Given that synopsis in their theory, once the carrying capacity of primary habitat is reached, the black bear population will never expand, although they KNOW that those bear in excess of said carrying capacity are moving into secondary habitat and cities. Again Ludicrous at best!

I have an idea, why not let the EXPERTS manage the Bear Population, like they manage the population of every other animal in the State. these animals have no fear of humans, from being protected for so many years. Their population is stable and sustainable. Wildlife should be managed by SCIENCE, not emotion.

Oh, it’s going to happen…you can bet on that.