With bear-human interactions at such a high level, Florida lawmakers want to ensure residents can defend themselves. According to FWC stats, there were 5,907 bear-related calls in 2022.
The Florida Senate is taking up a bill to allow people to carry a concealed weapon without a permit right now. The bill, HB 543, already passed the Florida House.
In a move that's being seen as a response to Disney's opposition to "don't say gay" legislation, Florida citizens may be looking at coughing up $1 billion.