• A possible fatal black bear attack on a man and dog was reported near Big Cypress Wildlife Management.
• Florida’s “Taking of Bears” bill (HB 87) allows killing bears without penalty under certain self-defense circumstances.
• The law requires notification of FWC within 24 hours of killing a bear, but possessing or selling bear parts is prohibited.

There was some startling news today (May 5) as wildlife officials reported a black bear attack may have resulted in the death of a man and a dog just south of Big Cypress Wildlife Management.

This comes a little more than one year after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed what is known as the “Taking of Bears” bill, or officially in the books as House Bill (HB) 87.

What to know: The Self-Defense Act of 2024

The act provides an exemption from penalties for killing bears without permits or authorization under certain circumstances.

It passed 88-29 in the Florida House on Feb. 15 while the Senate’s version SB 632 passed 24-12 in the Florida Senate days later.

When was the bill signed? Friday, June 21, 2024.

When did the bill go into effect? July 1, 2024.

The bill’s analysis says it would exempt people from any administrative, civil or criminal penalties for killing a bear if:

• The person is believed that it was necessary to avoid imminent death or serious bodily injury to their self, another person or a pet.
• The person did not lure the bear with food or attractants for an illegal purpose, including, but not limited to, training dogs to hunt bears.
• The person didn’t intentionally or recklessly put their self or pet in a situation where they would need to use lethal force.

Anyone who takes a bear must notify FWC within 24 hours, who will dispose of the body.

No one may possess, sell or dispose of the bear or its parts.

What do critics, supporters of Florida’s bear bill say?

Since the bill was first proposed, it drew in heavy criticism from wildlife activists, residents and even other lawmakers.

Defenders of Wildlife, a nonprofit conservation organization, voiced their concern from the start. After it was signed by DeSantis, officials for the organizations stated that the bill’s language could leave room for bears to be killed without them posing any actual threat.

However, some shared their support for the bill. In an interview with Politico, hunting advocate Lane Stephens said the bill would allow residents to feel assured they could protect themselves in their homes, especially in rural North Florida.

What do you do if you see a Florida black bear? What should you not do?

The FWC says if you encounter a bear at close range, they suggest you “remain standing upright, back up slowly and speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice.”

“Never approach or surprise a bear. If you see a bear from a distance, enjoy the experience, but do not move toward the bear. If you are close, do not make any sudden or abrupt movements. Back way slowly and be sure the bear has an obvious escape route.”

As for what not to do, the FWC advises you:

• Do not make any sudden or abrupt movements
• Do not run, this can trigger a chase instinct and bears can sprint up to 35 mph
• Do not play dead, black bears eat dead things
• Do not climb a tree, they can climb faster than you, too
• Do not approach or surprise a bear, especially if one might be injured