Buying a Grizzly Bear Rug

October 12, 2017

Question: May I purchase a grizzly bear rug at auction and have it shipped to my home in California? (Gaylan)

Answer: No. California’s Fish and Game Code, section 4758(a), prohibits the sale of any part of any bear. The prohibition against the sale of bears and bear parts extends beyond our local California black bears to include all species of bears, regardless of whether they were taken in California or imported into the state. This Fish and Game violation can be prosecuted as a felony. In addition, grizzly bears (and bear parts) are also protected by federal law.