ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida wildlife officials are holding the first in a series of online meetings about the possibility of a return to bear hunting in the state.

On Thursday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will receive input from anyone who wants to provide feedback on a potential bear hunt.

Bear hunting has long been a controversial issue in Florida, but calls have increased for wildlife officials to approve the first hunt in a decade.

Supporters say, in part, a hunt could help better manage bear populations as the animals interact with humans and point to a voter-approved ballot measure in November that enshrined hunting and fishing rights in the state Constitution.

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Opponents have argued that hunting doesn’t reduce human-bear interactions and say the state should use non-lethal options to address bear populations. They say unsecured trash continues to be a lure for bears on residential and commercial properties.

People who live in neighborhoods near Markham Woods Road had mixed reactions to a possible hunt.

Marcia Vanalstyne said opening up hunting of black bears may be needed to decrease encounters with humans.

“They’re getting comfortable with us and that’s where it’s getting dangerous for people,” Valalstyne said. “You’ve got children, your pets, and they’re going go after smaller things first.”

Saundra Santana said she would rather see the state continue non-lethal options for bear management.

“I don’t think killing them is something that should be done. Just relocate them,” she said.

The last hunt, held in October 2015, was projected to last up to a week. Instead, it was called off after two days as the bear death count quickly reached 304.

Commission officials at the time acknowledged being caught off guard by the success of the hunters.

The state estimated Florida had more than 4,000 bears in 2015, and the population is known to be growing. Meanwhile, the agency receives more than 6,000 calls a year about bears.

Tuesday’s virtual meeting on a potential bear hunt is at 6 p.m. Those interested in attending the meeting can join by clicking here.