Wildlife

280 bears massacred in shocking Florida bear hunt

More than 200 bears have been savagely massacred in a bear hunt in Florida, USA despite widespread outcry from animal rights activists.

The week-long cull – branded a "trophy hunt" by activists – began across the state yesterday amid furious protests.

One of the first kills of the hunt went to 49-year-old Bryan Smith, who claimed: "He had a good life and a good death."

Several lactating females have also being killed, according to local media reports – meaning their cubs will starve to death.

The hunt was approved after officials claimed Florida's black bear population had grown to 3,500 – up from several hundred in the 1970s – and presented a safety hazard.

Almost 3,800 permits were sold for the hunt to blood-thirsty Americans before the deadline on Friday.

Those with permits are allowed to use firearms and bows to kill the creatures this week – but unleashed dogs or bait are banned.

Animal activists deplored the hunt saying that: “There is not a bear problem in Florida but a leadership problem. If wealthy land developers have their way in Florida we will have no bears or panthers and will be left with the endless strip malls of box stores."