In a state where stand-your-ground laws are etched into the very fabric of society, it’s awfully fitting that a senator has introduced one to protect state residents against the threat of black bears.
With booming populations and a whole lot of hunting season interference, Florida residents and representatives alike are supporting a new controversial stand-your-ground bill. The first of its kind in Florida, the bill aims to offer the same protections as regular stand-your-ground bills, this time, offering protection from defending oneself against black bears.
As online videos continue to go viral depicting close and uncomfortable encounters across the state, the bill entered its first committee hearing last week. The bill was supported by both homeowners and law enforcement from across the state, but was not immune from opposition.
As with traditional stand-your-ground legislation, many fear that this type of legislation gives people a ‘license to kill’ and in the case of wildlife, many are fearful as to what exactly would determine threatening behavior from a black bear. The issue of firearm safety has also been called into question, many fearing the potential of gunshots ringing out in sunny neighborhoods across the state.
Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, the man behind the bill, maintains that the legislation has been introduced in the interest of both public safety and conservation.
“This isn’t a bear hunting bill,” Simon said. “It’s a public safety issue. This is a self-defense issue. That’s what the bill is.”
“We’re going to figure out a way to protect people and their families first and foremost,” Simon reiterated. “Conservation is not lost on me. We will also take a look at that. Listen, this isn’t a wipe out the bears conversation, this is a protect families conversation.”
Many who oppose the bill are instead asking for additional funding for state wildlife agencies to promote bear awareness and safety campaigns; the real answer might lie in opening up controlled hunting seasons to help deal with overpopulation.
As bear hunting remains a contentious issue in the Sunshine State, perhaps good ol’ stand-your-ground justice is enough to get those in opposition to hunting to consider it as a viable option.
The bill has two more stops before it lands on the chamber floor for a final vote.