ORLANDO, Fla. — A bill filed in Florida will remove penalties for anyone acting in stand-your-ground self-defense against bear attacks in the state if passed.
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HB 1487, the “Taking of Bears” bill, would authorizes the killing of bears in self-defense, “without permit or authorization; provides exemption from penalties; requires taking to be reported to FWCC; prohibits person from possessing, selling, or disposing of taken bears or their parts; requires FWCC to dispose of taken bears.”
The bill would allow for “lethal force in defense of person” as a self-defense act.
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The killing of a bear would be considered justified if a person feels threatened and believes that using such force is necessary to protect themselves or others.
The bill would not allow for anyone to intentionally lure a bear with food or other attractants.
People also cannot kill a bear while training dogs to hunt or provoking a bear to incite an attack.
FWC would need to be notified within 24 hours of the bear’s death and the organization must be allowed to dispose of the bear.
If passed, the bill would go into effect on July 1.
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