Florida bill would allow for the killing of bears in stand-your-ground defense, protecting others

ORLANDO, Fla. — A bill filed in Florida will remove penalties for anyone acting in stand-your-ground self-defense against bear attacks in the state if passed.

READ: Black bear killed after attacking woman in DeBary, FWC says

HB 1487, the “Taking of Bears” bill, would authorizes the killing of bears in self-defense, “without permit or authorization; provides exemption from penalties; requires taking to be reported to FWCC; prohibits person from possessing, selling, or disposing of taken bears or their parts; requires FWCC to dispose of taken bears.”

The bill would allow for “lethal force in defense of person” as a self-defense act.

WATCH: Charity offers free vet care for homeless people’s pets in Orlando

The killing of a bear would be considered justified if a person feels threatened and believes that using such force is necessary to protect themselves or others.

The bill would not allow for anyone to intentionally lure a bear with food or other attractants.

Bear cub ‘attacks’ inflatable reindeer in California neighborhood (NCD)

READ: 9 things to do this weekend: MLK events, EPCOT International Festival of the Arts begins and more

People also cannot kill a bear while training dogs to hunt or provoking a bear to incite an attack.

FWC would need to be notified within 24 hours of the bear’s death and the organization must be allowed to dispose of the bear.

If passed, the bill would go into effect on July 1.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 1

Man feeding bear

©2022 Cox Media Group