Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff held the virtual event Thursday after commissioners told them in December to explore options for a potential hunt — the first since the controversial 2015 event. The 522 participants were asked to comment on how a hunt should take place — but not if it should actually happen.

FWC said in Thursday's meeting the range occupied by bears in the state increased from 17 percent in 1993 to 51 percent in 2020.

Florida wildlife officials will talk Thursday night about a possible black bear hunt, which would be the first in the state since 2015. Hunting groups say the black bear population can handle a state-regulated hunt,

The controversial topic of bear hunting is back up for discussion in Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a virtual public meeting to gauge the public’s interest in hosting their first bear hunt in 10 years.