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.
California Fish & Game Rejects Bear Trophy Hunt Expansion
Proposed regulations would have allowed a trophy hunt of bears in San Luis Obispo County, where it is currently prohibited, and would have allowed an unlimited number of bears to be killed.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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July 13, 2010
New Jersey Officials Ignore Public Sentiment and Approve Bear Hunt
The HSUS opposes the approval of a bear trophy hunt in New Jersey by the state Fish and Game Council.
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May 11, 2010
The HSUS to Speak Against Bear Trophy Hunt in New Jersey
A representative from The HSUS will testify against New Jersey's proposal to reinstate trophy hunting of black bears.
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April 21, 2010
Statement on Fish & Game Commission’s Tabling of Calif. Bear Hunt Proposals
Jennifer Fearing, California senior state director for The HSUS, issued a statement in response to the California Fish and Game Commission’s decision to table proposals to expand trophy hunting of black bears.
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April 20, 2010
Statement on Withdrawal of Proposal to Expand Trophy Hunt of Black Bears in California
Jennifer Fearing, California senior state director for The HSUS, issued a statement in response to the California Department of Fish and Game rescinding a proposal to expand trophy hunting of black bears.
Our Victories
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July 9, 2010
Aloha, Shark Fin
As of July 1, 2010, it is illegal to possess, sell, or distribute shark fins in the state of Hawaii.
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June 23, 2010
Fla. Fish and Wildlife Votes to Prohibit Fox and Coyote Pens
The HSUS praised a unanimous decision by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to prohibit the chasing of foxes and coyotes by dogs within a fenced enclosure.
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April 21, 2010
Statement on Fish & Game Commission’s Tabling of Calif. Bear Hunt Proposals
Jennifer Fearing, California senior state director for The HSUS, issued a statement in response to the California Fish and Game Commission’s decision to table proposals to expand trophy hunting of black bears.
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April 20, 2010
Statement on Withdrawal of Proposal to Expand Trophy Hunt of Black Bears in California
Jennifer Fearing, California senior state director for The HSUS, issued a statement in response to the California Department of Fish and Game rescinding a proposal to expand trophy hunting of black bears.