Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff held the virtual event Thursday after commissioners told them in December to explore options for a potential hunt — the first since the controversial 2015 event. The 522 participants were asked to comment on how a hunt should take place — but not if it should actually happen.

The controversial topic of bear hunting is back up for discussion in Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a virtual public meeting to gauge the public’s interest in hosting their first bear hunt in 10 years.