Florida man attacked by bear on eve of first state bear hunt in 20 years

• Charles Griffin suffers non-life-threatening injuries outside motel
• Protests against black bear hunt continue as season opens

On the eve of Florida's first state-sponsored bear hunt in more than 20 years, wildlife officials were investigating after a bear attacked a man outside Eastpoint motel.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officials said Charles Griffin was walking near the Sportsman's Lodge Motel and Marina on Friday night when he encountered a bear. He was later released from hospital, after being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Wildlife officials were conducting trapping efforts.