Possessing Bear Parts

June 10, 2010

Question: I’m trying to find information on the possession of parts of a bear that I found in the woods that appeared to have died of natural causes. I have looked over the rules and regs and all pertain to the “killing/hunting” and possession of it thereafter. Nothing addresses the possession of bear parts in the manner that I have described, where the bear died of natural causes. Do I need a permit authorizing the collection of the skull and claws? (Heather M.)

Answer: Under California Fish and Game law the pieces and parts of an animal are treated the same as the complete animal, live or dead. Possession of any piece or part of a bear is legal only if it was acquired as authorized by law. There is no provision in the law for taking bears that are already dead, but neither is it specifically prohibited.

According to retired Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Capt. Phil Nelms, if you are in possession of a bear (including any or all pieces and parts) and if there is any evidence the bear had only recently been killed or died, it would be probable cause for a game warden to investigate the circumstances. If evidence exists that the bear was taken in violation of the law, you would be subject to prosecution. However, mere possession of dried and/or desiccated bones, teeth, claws, etc. generally do not raise undue suspicion, especially in the absence of any other evidence or information suggesting the bear was taken illegally.

Keep in mind that buying or selling any part of a bear is illegal in California and violations are prosecuted as felonies.

Is it illegal for bears to have human parts?

I thought Hojo was getting Kinky