SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - Two state senators have introduced legislation that would protect black bears and their habitat in Florida.

State Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, filed legislation that would establish a fund for local governments for the purchase of bear-proof trash cans.


Lake County residents get quick fix to trash cans to help with bear encounters
The bill would also prohibit a bear hunt in Florida for 10 years, until 2027.

The state previously approved a bear hunt that began in 2015.

"We robbed their house. We burned it down, and when they came into the street, we shot them from being in the street, and that's not right," said Chuck O'Neal, president of Speak Up Wekvia.

"At a time when Florida's native black bears are facing several threats to their habitat, it is our obligation to ensure the preservation of the iconic species as well as the safety of our neighborhoods," Stewart said in a news release.

Senate Bill 1304 is a companion bill to House Bill 491, which has been introduced in the Florida House by Rep. Amy Mercado, D - Orlando.

"By protecting Florida black bear habitats and their food sources, we in turn limit bear-human conflicts and ultimately are closer to ensuring the public's safety," said Mercado in a news release.

"I see bears probably three times a week. We have a lot in our neighborhood, some on the trail," said resident Peter Leduc.

Wildlife officials took more than 300 bear-related calls last year in Seminole County.

The bill would also protect palmetto berries, a staple of a bear's diet. Anyone caught stealing them could face a third-degree misdemeanor charge.

Susan Smith, the director of FWC's community relation's office, sent a statement to Channel 9's Julie Salomone: “We are aware of this proposed legislation and will work with our elected officials to help provide information and address questions as it moves through the legislative process."

Quoted:
I AM HRE :

where do you live??

I am near ft myers I never see a thing. & I go out looking on occasion.

Quoted:


South Naples, plenty of wooded areas around here and I wasn't exaggerating.

Quoted:
I'm not calling you a liar I go to 6 mile, corkscrew , and big cypress regularly looking for panthers . I have never even found a clawed up tree