LOUISIANA, USA — For the first time in more than 30 years, state officials have announced there will be a bear hunting season this year. Wildlife authorities say black bears are no longer considered endangered across our state. Animal activists however are fighting back, because they say the Louisiana black bear needs to be protected.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said in 2016 the black bear was removed from the endangered species list because the population recovered. That is why, for the first time since 1987, bear hunting will be allowed.
John Hanks with LDWF told WWL Louisiana, "Those areas are all stable and or growing and we're starting to get excess animals there."
He went on to say, "A 330-pound bear can provide 200 plates of food to a family."
LDWF says the hunting season will run for 16 days in December, and only 10 bears in total can be killed. The department will select hunters via a lottery system. All hunters must be properly licensed and be a Louisiana resident.
Hanks said, "If you are successful you will have to go through a bear training course to learn about bears... it's not the same as deer." He said bear hunting will only take place in the Northeastern part of the state because that's where 90% of the population lives. He says the hunt is not for nuisance or population control.
"We have 10 bears taken out of that population without changing the population numbers at all."
Jeff Dorson with the Humane Society of Louisiana started a petition to stop the bear hunt, more than 8,000 people have signed it.
Dorson said, "Bears inhabit this planet, we need to give them room, accommodate them." He went on to say, "Our position is, live with them, don't destroy them, no need to hunt them and appreciate them as a wonderful creature that wants to live as much as us."
Dorson hopes to receive 10,000 signatures and says he'll be sending John the signed petition in two weeks.
Hunters are only allowed one bear each and no cubs can be hunted.
Illegal bear hunters will be fined $10,000 if caught.