The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-3 to postpone the state's second bear hunt since stabilizing black bear populations in the state. The commission had approved the first hunt by a vote of 6-1; that hunt was held in October 2015 and was largely seen as a success. However, the state continues to face opposition to the hunt, even as the bear population increases along with human/bear conflicts. As a result of the Commission's vote, the state will not hold a bear hunt in 2016 and the Commission will reconsider a bear hunting season for 2017.

Nick Wiley, FWC executive director said, "Although hunting has been demonstrated to be a valuable tool to control bear populations across the country, it is just one part of FWC's comprehensive bear management program. I am proud of our staff who used the latest, cutting-edge, peer-reviewed science to develop a recommendation for our Commissioners to consider. Our agency will continue to work with Floridians, the scientific community and local governments as our focus remains balancing the needs of Florida's growing bear population with what's best for families in our state. I would like to thank all seven of our Commissioners for their leadership on this important issue."