Ten years ago, Florida held a black bear hunt that resulted in more than 300 animals killed in just two days before it was halted early. It was controversial from the start and hasn’t happened since — until possibly later this year amid strong opposition once again.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is expected to make a final decision on a Florida black bear hunting season for 2025 in its meeting May 21-22 in Ocala. This decision follows a public review period and a draft proposal that outlines a possible harvest quota of 187 bears across 31 counties for three weeks in December.

House Republican leaders -- including Speaker Mike Johnson -- are expected to head to the White House Wednesday afternoon along with members of the House Freedom Caucus to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss the megabill that advances the president's legislative agenda,