Gov. DeSantis must veto bill targeting bears
Gov. Ron DeSantis has been an ardent supporter of Florida’s native wildlife and an outright champion for the wildlife corridor. However, the governor is now being put to the test by a very poorly drafted piece of legislation on the way to his desk for signature. That’s why I – and thousands of concerned citizens across the state – now ask Gov. DeSantis to veto House Bill 87, which addresses the killing of bears.
Marketed as a “self-defense” bill, this legislation could pave the way to the unlimited killing of Florida black bears. As written, HB 87 authorizes anyone who “feels” threatened – or anyone who “feels” that a dwelling or pet is under threat – to kill a Florida black bear.
It doesn’t matter if you live in an urban city, the suburbs or a rural area – you are cleared to open fire. This kind of “one size fits all” legislation to address human-bear interactions makes absolutely no sense, and especially not when it is based solely on how someone “feels.”
HB 87 opens up the killing of Florida’s bears, but it does nothing to address the root cause of humanbear conflicts: human foods. Studies have shown that simply killing bears does not reduce conflicts. Instead, the state should invest in educating the public about removing food attractants. Simple steps, like using a bear-resistant trash container or waiting until the morning of pickup to put out the garbage are incredibly effective. These small steps can make a big difference in reducing, if not eliminating, humanbear conflicts.
Keep in mind that throughout the recorded history of our state, no Florida black bear has ever killed a human
Florida’s growth over the past 25 years has impacted black bear habitat, and it has increased the opportunity for human-bear interactions. But while the Florida Constitution grants the Fish and Wildlife Commission control over wildlife management, HB 87 would nullify its expertise. This organization, staffed by professionals with deep expertise in wildlife biology and management, operates on the principle that science and education are the keys to resolving human-wildlife conflicts. If signed into law, HB 87 would disregard these proven strategies that have successfully minimized such conflicts.
HB 87 also brings to light another important issue: For generations, hunters and sportsmen have held safety and responsibility as principles of the utmost importance. They have understood that the privilege of gun ownership comes with the duty of ensuring the security of both people and the environment.
A foundational tenet of responsible firearm ownership and use is the pledge that no human life is needlessly endangered, and it is a standard that is meticulously upheld through rigorous safety training and education. If signed into law, HB 87 would undermine generations of hard work by responsible gun owners by potentially turning every neighborhood in Florida into a shooting range of untrained marksmen.
For the reasons outlined, I am asking the governor to veto HB 87.
State Rep. David Smith, a Republican from Winter Springs, represents District 38. He is a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel.