Three young Florida black bears explore their surroundings on public lands in Southwest Florida. Mama came by a short time later and almost knocked off the trail cam this video was shot on. Footage captured by Tom Mortenson. And a special request for Earth Day. This video illustrates the core work South Florida Wildlands carries out. Throughout the year, we battle developers, oil drillers, road builders, utilities, county commissions, and state and federal agencies to protect as much of the rema

Florida just held its first black bear hunt in a decade. 52 bears were killed. And here is what is so disturbing. There was no clear scientific justification for it. Bears were not overpopulated. Conflict levels did not demand lethal action. Independent scientists and conservation groups raised serious concerns and were ignored. Instead, permits were issued and innocent bears paid the price. Shooting a bear is irreversible. Once the trigger is pulled, there is no management. No learning. No seco

Large Black Bear in Southwest Florida!

The 2025 Florida Black Bear Hunt ended yesterday, December 28. A colleague with a trail cam on public lands in Southwest Florida (open to hunting this year) is now sharing captures of black bears again. The young cub is following his playful sibling, but stops suddenly in front of the camera when he catches an interesting scent (possibly from the camera or cameraman). That extraordinary nose will be his main tool for survival as he grows up - telling him more about his world than we can ever ima