DeSantis signs bill making it legal to kill ‘crack bears’ in self-defense
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This video above describes an incident where a bear was shot and killed in a Florida neighborhood.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Friday that makes it legal for people to kill “crack bears” in self-defense.
HB 87 allows people to use lethal force against bears as long as certain criteria are met. DeSantis did not comment on the bill specifically, announcing it in a news release alongside 13 other bills he signed.
A person can use lethal force against a bear as long as they believe that they, their pet, or their property are in imminent danger, they didn’t lure the bear with food or other attractants — including training dogs to hunt bears — and the person didn’t recklessly place themself into the dangerous situation.
If lethal force is used against a bear, the person must notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within 24 hours of killing the bear, and only the commission may dispose of it. It is unlawful to possess, sell or get rid of the bear or any of its parts.
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.”
The bill passed the Florida Senate 24-12 and the Florida House 83-28. An advocacy group started a Change.org petition urging DeSantis to veto the bill. As of Friday night, that petition had nearly 40,000 signatures.
The law goes into effect July 1.
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