Bear Skin Rug

May 18, 2023

Question: I inherited an old bear skin rug from an uncle who died. My uncle was a hunter and shot the bear somewhere in California decades ago. Can I sell the hide?

Answer: It would be illegal to sell the hide in California. The prohibition is outlined in California Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 4758:

(a) Subject to the provisions of this code permitting the sale of domestically raised game mammals, it is unlawful to sell or purchase, or possess for sale, the meat, skin, hide, teeth, claws, or other parts of any bear in this state.

Other states may have their own laws regarding the sale of bear skin rugs. If you’re considering selling your rug in another state, be sure to check the laws in that state. An online transaction in California would be considered a sale under FGC section 4758 and would be illegal.