In Florida, a bill allowing people to shoot bears has been signed into law. To the dismay of wildlife activists, Governor Ron DeSantis assented to the bill on Friday, June 21, 2024. However, many Florida residents have backed the bill. Let’s find out why.
For many, this seems like a move in the wrong direction. However, let’s get into the details of the bill and why it has stirred so much controversy.
HB 87
The highly controversial bill, known as HB 87, has stirred so much controversy and concern among Floridians that even Governor DeSantis had to brave waves upon waves of opposition voices calling him to veto the bill.
Wildlife protection activists also did all they could to abort the bill. However, the governor believes that the legislation is in the interest of Florida residents.
What Does the Bill Say?
On the surface, one could infer that the bill sanctions the indiscriminate killing of bears. But that’s not the case. The law only empowers residents to use deadly force against bears when they are in danger.
In the very words of the bill, people could kill bears to protect themselves from “imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.”
The Law Also Protects Other Animals
HB 87 doesn’t just provide for the safety of the human population. The law also enables people to kill bears if they pose a danger to domestic animals such as dogs and cats.
In addition, the law covers property protection. Therefore, residents aren’t helpless when a bear destroys valuable property. The law also allows lethal force in such situations.
The Law Takes Effect From July 1, 2024
The bill is set to take effect from the first day of July 2024. But wildlife protection activists aren’t looking forward to that day.
They believe the legislation would reverse the impressive wildlife conservation gains they’ve achieved over the years. They expect the bear population to drop drastically after the law takes effect—and they have valid reasons, too.
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“Very Unfortunate”
“Well, that’s very unfortunate.” These were the words of a disappointed wildlife activist, Elizabeth Fleming. Fleming works for the Defenders of Wildlife, a non-profit conservation organization. The organization has fought to “protect and restore imperiled wildlife and habitats across North America.”
She is one of many animal rights activists who believe that the law would result in the unreasonable killing of bears.
Opponents of the Law Are Likely to Approach the Courts
Speaking on the aftermath of the bill’s signing, Fleming has predicted a legal challenge. “I think it’s going to be challenged [in court], so they are going to spend taxpayer money defending it,” she told the press.
According to Chuck O’Neal, an anti-bear-hunting activist, the law is pretty vague. He believes that it has many loopholes that trigger-happy residents could exploit to harm the animals.
A Likely Spate of Bear Killings
O’Neal worries that the law gives residents too many scenarios for which they could shoot bears to death.
“Yeah, bear on my property — boom,” O’Neal said. “Bear in my trash can — boom. Bear walks across my property — boom. I’m out in the woods — boom. He went after my dogs — boom. There are just so many possibilities,” he said to the press a week before the bill was signed.
Many Residents Support the Law
Unsurprisingly, many residents have expressed their pleasure with the new law. Lane Stephens, a hunting advocate, is one of them. He told the press the law would supply the relief many residents had clamored for.
According to him, residents want to be free to protect themselves from bear attacks without risking punishment from the law. He believes that the law will boost the safety of Florida residents.
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Some Supporters say the Bill Was Well-crafted
Contrary to claims by opponents, supporters have applauded the bill for its comprehensiveness. They say it has established safeguards against abuse.
For example, some have cited a provision that bars any resident from keeping the remains of a dead bear. The law mandates that anyone who kills a bear must report to the state wildlife authorities within 24 hours.
Other Safeguards
In addition, the bill also requires any resident who kills a bear to prove that the bear posed an imminent danger to lives. In the area of potential property damage, they must be capable of proving that the bear could have caused “substantial damage.”
Also, the resident must not have “intentionally or recklessly placed himself or herself or a pet” in a position of harm.
Floridians Have Been Groaning Under Increasing Bear Attacks
Reports have been pouring in about bear attacks. In January, Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith explained the growing fear in the community to a Senate committee.
He disclosed that he has received quite a number of reports from people who say bears broke into their homes and vehicles. “I can only imagine what would happen if it were to happen to a child,” Smith said.
Finding the Balance
Looking at the arguments from both sides of the divide, one would find valid concerns. The way forward would be to find a middle ground between both sentiments.
Animal conservation is key, and society must frown at the reckless killing of bears. At the same time, the government must do all it can to protect lives and properties. To ensure this balance, the government must also frown heavily on reckless bear killings while implementing these laws.
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