Ok, I'm a little bit kidding - there wont be actual bears on the web chat with us. But now that I have your attention - did you see Sally's email last week?

In just a few weeks the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) will decide whether to proceed with their plan to open hunting season on shy and endangered bears, or pursue non-lethal options like better trash cans and public education. The FWC has already admitted that non-lethal options are more effective, but they're under pressure from hunters, gun-lobbyists and others to open hunting season on bears anyway.

Tune in with us next Tuesday, April 7th, at 6:30 pm Eastern and we'll give you a live update with special guests from the Florida Humane Society.

Or, if you can't make it next week, donate to our non-lethal bear management fund here.

Thanks,
Drew Hudson, Director | Environmental Action

PS - Sally's original email is below with more details and updates.

Click here to support Black Bear protection in Florida by RSVPing for a special webinar on how to stop Florida from lifting the hunting ban.

Friend,

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) final decision is coming up and we're running out of time to protect Black Bears in Florida. Before the deadline, I would love to introduce you to some great people who have been standing up for the bears from day one. Together we'll share our thoughts and ideas and help shape this campaign moving forward. Please click here to RSVP and take part in our webinar at 6:30 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, April 7th.

When you join us next week, you'll talk to activists who have been in the fight to protect the Florida Black Bears from the beginning, including Kate MacFall, State Director of the Florida Humane Society. I'm excited to show you how important our work so far has been, and to hear your ideas and questions about this campaign.

We are getting closer and closer to our goal of $5,000 to show FWC that non-lethal remedies like garbage cans and education are the best alternative for the bears and the people of Florida. The FWC will make their final decision about lifting the bear hunting ban next month and we will be there to present them with a check of the funds members like you have raised as a final plea to invest in a non-lethal alternative. The more money we raise, the better chance we have to show them how serious people are about protecting the Florida Black Bears. Maybe they won't take the money, but it sure will send a signal that we mean business and are ready (and funded) to keep the fight going. Click here join us for an important discussion on how best to fight for this lovely species.

Thanks,

Sally and The Environmental Action Bear Club

P.S. Can't make it next week? haven't had a chance to donate to our non-lethal bear management fund? Click here to chip in.

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