Florida introduces new stand-your-ground legislation...for bears 🐻

**POOF* * Welcome to the middle of January...

Depending on where you are located geographically, you've likely been subject to some wonderfully winter weather over the past week or so. So whether you are still digging out or bundling up, just know that those of us down here in Florida are suffering as well. Well, not exactly...

As if it is some kind of consolation, let's all take a minute to grab your coffee or whiskey (no judgement) and let's get another mid-week dispatch out the door.

Here's what's worth reading about so far this week:

• Speaking of Florida - State's stand-your-ground bear bill passes first vote 🗳️

• Mo' elk, no problems- West Virginia is getting a fresh shipment ➕

• See something, say something - Tip foils possible Kansas poacher 🕵️

• Evicted- Watch as bear is evicted from Lake Tahoe home 🏠

• Bird flu's latest victim - Polar bears are now dying from Avian Flu 🤢

Thanks for following along. Don't forget to tell your friends.

FLORIDA ‘GON FLORIDA
FLORIDA'S STAND-YOUR-GROUND BEAR BILL GETS CLEARANCE FROM FIRST COMMITTEE

In a state where stand-your-ground laws are etched into the very fabric of society, it’s awfully fitting that a senator has introduced one to protect state residents against the threat of black bears.

With booming populations and a whole lot of hunting season interference, Florida residents and representatives alike are supporting a new controversial stand-your-ground bill. The first of its kind in Florida, the bill aims to offer the same protections as regular stand-your-ground bills, this time, offering protection from defending oneself against black bears.

As online videos continue to go viral depicting close and uncomfortable encounters across the state, the bill entered its first committee hearing last week. The bill was supported by both homeowners and law enforcement from across the state, but was not immune from opposition.

As with traditional stand-your-ground legislation, many fear that this type of legislation gives people a ‘license to kill’ and in the case of wildlife, many are fearful as to what exactly would determine threatening behavior from a black bear. The issue of firearm safety has also been called into question, many fearing the potential of gunshots ringing out in sunny neighborhoods across the state...

➕ Mo' elk, no problems: West Virginia set to import at least 40 more elk to state herd.

🕵️ Neighborhood watch: Community tips off game wardens in alleged Kansas poaching incident.

🤢 Fatal finding: Cow elk tests positive for CWD in yet another Wyoming hunt area.

🏹 Urban archery training: NC biologist proposing 'urban archery' training program to deal with urban deer problem.

BIG BEAR DOWN
BIRD FLU IS NOW KILLING...POLAR BEARS?

Well, at least one, anyways.

According to reports from Alaska’s Division of Environmental Health, a dead polar bear was recovered and brought in for testing last fall. As of December’s test results, the cause of death was confirmed to have been brought on by a strain of avian flu.

“This is the first polar bear case reported, for anywhere,” state veterinarian Dr. Robert Gerlach told the Alaska Beacon. Authorities believe the bear ingested an infected bird, either dead or alive, and contracted the virus. 

While this is the first confirmed case in polar bears, according to the Division of Environmental Health’s 2023 report, avian flu was determined to have caused the death of a few red foxes, one black bear and one brown bear.

Polar bears tend to feast primarily on seals, but global warming (and probably inflation) has caused a decline in the populations of their preferred snack. In light of this, polar bears are turning to alternative food sources where and when necessary and in some cases, that includes birds...

VIDEO // ^{_{SOME THINGS JUST HAVE TO BE SEEN}}

🚪 Eviction notice served: Watch as bear is kicked out from Tahoe home's crawl space.

🏹 Poaching across the pond: South west England police release footage of deer with crossbow bolt lodged in its skull.