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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August 25, 2011
Bear Country, Part 3: Putting Humans on Their Best Behavior
Changing the way we behave helps keep bears alive.
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August 25, 2011
Bear Country, Part 4: Court of Last Resort
Diversionary feeding is sometimes used to lure hungry bears away from inhabited areas.
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August 25, 2011
Safety Tips for Bear Country
Being bear-aware will keep you and the bears safe.
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August 25, 2011
Bear Country: People and Bears Learn to Coexist
Bear-friendly conflict resolution proves we can live in and with the wild without destroying it.
Our Victories
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September 6, 2011
California Legislature Passes Bill Banning Shark Fin Trade
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June 30, 2011
Federal Court Upholds Endangered Species Listing for Polar Bears
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November 9, 2010
The HSUS and Washington Humane Society Praise DC Council for Passing Wildlife Protection Act
The HSUS and the Washington Humane Society praised the D.C. Council for passing legislation to regulate wildlife control operators in the District, ensuring consumer protection and humane treatment of wildlife.
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November 3, 2010
Voters Support Humane Policies on Election Day
Voters in Missouri have passed the nation's first statewide ballot measure to protect dogs from the worst abuses at puppy mills, and voters in Arizona resoundingly rejected a legislative power grab on wildlife management. The Humane Society of the United States led campaigns with coalition partners in both states, and these victories are the latest in a string of electoral victories in recent years through animal-protection ballot measures.