Rocker Ted Nugent snaps up Florida bear hunting permit

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Rocker Ted Nugent is among some 1,200 people who've purchased permits so far for Florida's first bear hunting season in 20 years.

The permits went on sale this week and can be purchased through the Oct. 23 deadline. The seven-day season begins Oct. 24.

Nugent told the Orlando Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1Dx1l8t) he has been following Florida's bear saga. He says wildlife can be one of two things — an asset or a liability. He calls the central Florida bear population a "liability."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission won't limit the number of permits available for the hunt.

Wildlife officials estimate the state's bear population at about 3,000. A bear rebound, as well as an increase in the number of nuisance calls and bears killed by cars, have been cited as reasons for the hunt.

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Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/