Our Florida Podcast
Our Florida Podcast is a deep dive into the Sunshine State’s rich history and fascinating ecology. Join 6th-generation Floridian sisters Kaylee Betts Johnson and Maegan Betts as they uncover the stories and natural wonders that make Florida unique.
Florida is one of the most popular states for a reason. Whether you're a longtime local, a snowbird, or a new resident, we hope you'll discover something new that deepens your appreciation for this beautiful and diverse place.
🎙️ Mondays – Kaylee explores Florida’s history, from conquistadors to conservationists, sharing the stories of those who shaped the state.
🌿 Fridays – Maegan dives into Florida’s wildlife and ecosystems, revealing the incredible biodiversity that makes it so special.
Our Florida Podcast
Should We Hunt Florida’s Black Bears? What You Need to Know Before the FWC Meeting
In this episode, Mae and Kaylee dive into the upcoming Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting and what it means for the future of Florida’s black bear population. They unpack the complex issues of wildlife management, including bear population estimates, proposed hunting regulations, and the role of public engagement.
You’ll hear about:
The growing Florida black bear population and how it's being measured
The FWC’s current management strategies and concerns over potential conflicts of interest
Proposed regulated bear hunts and the public’s reaction
The importance of habitat preservation alongside population control
How you can get involved and make your voice heard
Whether you’re a conservation advocate or simply curious about Florida’s wildlife, this episode sheds light on the pressing questions around how we manage and protect our wild spaces.
🎤 Topics Covered:
May FWC Commission meeting details
Public participation and oversight challenges
Capture-mark-recapture bear population methods
Impacts of human development on wildlife
Public opinion, alternative solutions, and the power of advocacy
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others who care about wildlife conservation in Florida.
https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the May Commission Meeting
05:06 Public Participation and Meeting Logistics
09:58 Concerns About FWC and Bear Management
15:03 Future of Florida Black Bears
19:51 Bear Population Management Strategies
30:02 Research Methods for Bear Population Estimation
32:11 Estimating Bear Populations
34:14 Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement
37:36 Regulated Bear Hunts: Purpose and Management
40:12 Habitat Preservation vs. Population Control
44:27 Hunting Regulations and Permit Management
48:03 Concerns and Questions from the Public
51:30 Exploring Alternative Population Control Methods
53:29 Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement Challenges
55:30 Final Thoughts on the Bear Hunt Discussion
01:00:46 Looking Ahead: Future Meetings and Community Involvement
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Thank you for listening! To learn more about the podcast, join us on Instagram & YouTube.
https://www.instagram.com/ourfloridapodcast
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If you have any recommendations or Florida Experiences you'd like to share, email us at ourfloridapodcast@gmail.com