U.S. hunters shoot about 33,000 bears each year—and poachers kill thousands more. In fact, bears are a favorite target for trophy hunters the world over. Some states even allow unsporting bear baiting, hounding (cruel to bears and dogs), and spring hunts, which can orphan cubs to die slowly.
Gentle black bears will stay away from people unless lured by food, but some hunters stir up fear as an excuse for hunts. Many bears die to satisfy the black market for folk remedies. Vacationing trophy seekers kill polar bears although they are already in peril from global warming.
You can help by learning the bear facts [PDF] and pressing your elected officials for change.
- Ask your federal legislators to support protection for polar bears and all bears.
- Maryland or New Jersey residents: ask your governor to cancel the state's bear hunt.
- Act locally against bear baiting, bear hounding, and spring bear hunts.
Calif. Raises Bear Hunt Quota--and Eyebrows
California Fish and Game proposes allowing 2,000 bears to be killed in the coming season. Ironically, the agency chose the 100th anniversary of state adoption of the bear flag to expand bear trophy hunting.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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March 1, 2013
Groups Applaud Federal Appeals Court Upholding Endangered Species Act Listing for Polar Bears
A coalition of groups is applauding a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to reject a challenge to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2008 decision to list polar bears as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
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January 22, 2013
The HSUS Urges Maine Legislators to Pass Bill Protecting Bears from Inhumane and Unsporting Practices
The HSUS praised Maine praised Maine state Sen. Edward Mazurek, D-Knox County, for introducing legislation that would enact comprehensive protections for bears
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October 8, 2012
The Humane Society of the United States Endorses Proposition 30 in California
The Humane Society of the United States announced its support for Proposition 30, The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act, which is critical for providing support to law enforcement to adequately combat poaching, animal cruelty and other crimes in California.
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October 2, 2012
California State Officials Report Black Bear Population in Decline
The Humane Society of the United States is concerned to learn of a sharp drop in the estimated population of California black bears.
Our Victories
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May 15, 2013
Norfolk’s Operation Turtle Receives Humane Wildlife Stewardship Award
The Humane Society of the United States presented a Humane Wildlife Stewardship Award to participants of Operation Turtle, a public-private partnership that has saved the lives of hundreds of aquatic turtles and other wild animals.
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May 14, 2013
USDA Revokes License of Mississippi Roadside Zoo
A roadside zoo in Mississippi has lost its exhibitor license after 43 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revoked the license following an undercover investigation and legal complaints to state and federal officials by The Humane Society of the United States.
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May 8, 2013
Court Upholds Calif. Law Preventing Cruel Trapping and Poisoning of Wildlife
A California court has upheld the constitutionality of Proposition 4, a 1998 state ballot measure banning use of cruel traps and poisons for the purpose of killing wildlife.
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April 8, 2013
Maryland General Assembly Passes Legislation Banning Shark Fin Trade
The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International, National Aquarium, National Wildlife Federation and Oceana applaud the Maryland General Assembly for banning the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins.
