Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission releases 2025 black bear harvest fact sheet with preliminary data

Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released a fact sheet summarizing key data from the 2025 black bear hunting season. While the full harvest report is still being compiled, the preliminary information offers insight into hunter participation, bear harvest statistics, and biological data collected during the season.

According to the fact sheet, the 2025 black bear season ran for 23 days, during which 172 permits were sold. Florida residents purchased the vast majority of permits, accounting for 97 percent, or 166 permits. Across the state, hunters harvested 52 bears, resulting in a minimum success rate of 30.2 percent. FWC officials note that the success rate may increase slightly as additional information from hunter surveys is collected.

Of the bears harvested, 46 percent were female (24 bears) and 54 percent were male (28 bears). All harvested bears met the established size requirements for the hunt, and no warnings or citations were issued for violations of hunting rules. FWC biologists or contracted personnel collected biological information from every bear taken during the season, helping the agency track population health and trends.

“The preliminary data helps us understand the effectiveness of the hunt while ensuring sustainable management of Florida’s black bear population,” said an FWC spokesperson. The fact sheet provides hunters, researchers, and the public with an overview of the season’s outcomes, while additional data will inform the comprehensive report expected later this year.

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The 2025 bear season continues to reflect a carefully regulated program aimed at balancing recreational opportunities with the conservation of Florida’s wildlife. FWC emphasizes that hunters play a critical role in collecting data used to monitor population trends and maintain healthy ecosystems.

In addition to the harvest statistics, the FWC encourages residents to learn more about black bears and how to reduce human-bear conflicts. Helpful resources are available on MyFWC.com/Bear and through the BearWise program at BearWise.org. These programs provide practical guidance on securing food, managing trash, and minimizing encounters with bears in neighborhoods.

Hunters and residents alike are reminded that black bears are protected under Florida law, and all hunting activities must follow strict regulations. Compliance with permit requirements, size restrictions, and harvest reporting ensures that the population remains healthy and that public safety is maintained.

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For those interested in reviewing the preliminary findings, the 2025 Black Bear Harvest Fact Sheet can be accessed online at MyFWC.com/BearHunting. The full report will provide more detailed analysis and is expected to be released once all additional data has been collected and processed.

The FWC continues to highlight the importance of responsible hunting, data collection, and community education as key components of effective wildlife management. By participating in the hunt or following best practices for coexisting with bears, Floridians contribute to long-term conservation efforts and the protection of one of the state’s iconic wildlife species.