Hunters kill more than 200 black bears in one day

Florida recently announced that it wanted hunters to kill 320 black bears by the end of October - and on the first day of the season, hunters have taken out more than 200.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently decided to reinstate bear hunting in an attempt to control a recent growth in the black bear population.

But wildlife activists believe the hunt was too soon, given that Florida black bears were only removed from the threatened species list three years ago.

The state's Humane Society director said in a statement released a few days before the hunt began.

She said: "This hunt is completely unnecessary and it's not supported by science or by public sentiment. Research overwhelmingly shows that hunting bears in the woods doesn't reduce the problems with bears in neighbourhoods."

Members of the public were also outraged by the hunting activities, with many taking to Twitter to vent their frustrations.

One user, Georgina Taylor, said: "Why are innocent bears being killed in Florida for the sake of people's amusement,there are so many evil people in the world"

While Carol Ray said: "Totally disgusted with Florida right now. Momma bears killed - cubs will starve. Nice going, hunters."

However, the Commission claims the growth of the black bear population is 'one of Florida's biggest conservation success stories'.

It initially said hunting would be allowed until this Friday if the hunting goal of 320 wasn't met any sooner. But Reuters has reported that the hunt has already been called off after 295 of the animals were killed.

In a statement on their website the Commission said: "With the statewide bear harvest standing at 295 bears at the end of day 2 of Florida's bear hunt, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) closed the North and South bear management units (BMUs) to hunting Sunday, Oct. 25."

The Commission admitted that the hunt had had a higher success rate than expected and they added that their harvest objectives had been 'conservative' and they will continue to ensure bear numbers are healthy.