Tampa’s NBC affiliate reports:
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Friday that makes it legal for people to kill “crack bears” in self-defense. The bill was dubbed “the cocaine bear bill” on social media after its sponsor said Floridians have the right to protect themselves against “the ones that are on crack.”
“They break your door down and they’re standing in your living room growling and tearing your house apart,” Rep. Jason Shoaf (R- Port St. Joe), who sponsored the House version of the bill, said while introducing legislation at a committee meeting.
“When you run into one of these crack bears, you should be able to shoot it,” Shoaf said. “Period.”
Miami’s NPR affiliate reports:
“Increasing the killing of Florida’s iconic black bears under the guise of self-defense –– without requiring proof of actual danger — poses serious public safety risks and undermines responsible wildlife management,” Kate MacFall, Florida state director at the Humane Society of the United States, said in a prepared statement.
MacFall said the bill conflicts with regulations of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which has the constitutional authority to manage wildlife. She added her organization “will continue to explore our options moving forward to ensure Florida’s bears are protected.”
Sierra Club Florida, which has also argued the bill usurps the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s constitutional authority, said it is “a dangerous solution to an imaginary problem.”
DeSantis signs bill making it legal to kill ‘crack bears’ in self-defense https://t.co/21w9FodkHI pic.twitter.com/RbJt5Bfi7F
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) June 22, 2024
Governor DeSantis has signed HB 87, Taking of Bears. Audubon is disappointed to see this unconstitutional bill become law, saddling taxpayers with the expense of a losing defense against an inevitable legal challenge. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/vAx63K9uU6
— Audubon Florida (@AudubonFL) June 21, 2024
Thank you to Gov. DeSantis for signing HB 87.
This bill simply extends the right of self-defense to Floridians who fall victim to a black bear attack.
As your State Representative, I will always protect Floridians’ unalienable right to self-defense! pic.twitter.com/K4sVZJ7xMN
— Dean Black (@DeanBlackFL) June 22, 2024