Florida is resuming black bear hunting for the first time since 2015, with wildlife commissioners approving a 23-day hunt in December allowing up to 187 bears to be killed.

The hunt, aimed at managing the state’s growing population of roughly 4,000 bears, will permit baiting and the use of dogs and be limited to four of seven bear management zones.

Starting in 2026, private landowners with over 5,000 acres may also be allowed to kill up to three bears on their property.

Hunting permits will be issued via a $5 lottery, costing $100 for residents and $300 for non-residents, with a 10% cap on non-resident permits, the Tampa Bay Times has reported.

Conservation groups have criticized the decision as premature and controversial.