The tragic death of a man at the hands of a bear in Collier County, Florida, is undoubtedly heartbreaking. However, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's immediate decision to kill three bears in response appears to be an overreaction, particularly since it is noted by the agency itself that human-bear encounters are extraordinarily rare.
Sign the petition to demand the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission explain why three bears were killed when there is no clear evidence of their involvement in the attack, and to consider more humane and scientifically sound methods of bear management in the future!
While the commission has stated that DNA testing will determine whether the three bears killed were involved in the attack, there has been no evidence to suggest that these particular bears were directly responsible. In fact, the commission admits that this was the first bear attack fatality in Florida's history, making it an extremely isolated incident.
This drastic action raises the question: why did three bears need to be killed within 24 hours of such a rare occurrence? Bears play an essential role in the ecosystem, and it is critical that their populations are managed in ways that balance both conservation and public safety.
Sign the petition today to ensure that future actions regarding wildlife are based on science, compassion, and a commitment to protecting both people and animals in Florida!
