‘Heartbreaking’: Florida wildlife groups decry state-sanctioned bear hunt

Fifty-two black bears were killed in three-week hunt state officials said was necessary to reduce ursine population

Wildlife officials in Florida say the slaughter of dozens of black bears during a controversial three-week hunt this month was a success, despite the opposition of protesters who condemned the heartbreaking, bloody spectacle".

The Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission (FWC) on Tuesday announced that 52 bears were killed between 6 and 28 December, and promised to release a full harvest report" in the coming months that will provide details about where and how the animals died.