Sale of Bear Illegal Even if Acquired Out of State

June 25, 2009

Question: For the past 25 years I have been weaving rugs using wool and hair from a variety of animals and then selling those rugs. I can obtain some bear hair from a wildlife researcher working out-of-state and want to know if it would be legal for me to use this in my weavings. (Barbara S.)

Answer: No, under California law you may not sell any part of a bear (FGC Section 4758.) The source or species of bear does not make a difference in the law in the eyes of the law – sale of any part of any bear is illegal. According to Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Captain (ret.) Phil Nelms, this is in fact one of the few Fish and Game crimes that can be prosecuted as a felony. Please note that it is legal for you to possess or use legally obtained bear parts for personal use. It is the sale of bear parts in any form that is prohibited