BIPARTISAN BILL AIMS TO PROTECT BEARS FROM BLACK-MARKET CRUELTY

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We often associate the horrors of the illegal wildlife trade with overseas markets, but a major battle against poaching is unfolding right here at home.

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This week, a bipartisan group of lawmakers—led by Representatives Michael McCaul, Ted Lieu, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Maggie Goodlander—officially reintroduced the Bear Poaching Elimination Act (H.R. 9631) in the U.S. House of Representatives. This crucial piece of legislation aims to permanently dismantle a horrific and highly profitable transnational trade: the commercial trafficking of bear organs, specifically gallbladders.

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To put the absurdity and cruelty of this trade into perspective: poachers are slaughtering magnificent animals like American black bears and grizzlies, taking less than 1% of their body mass, and leaving the rest of the carcass to waste in the field. A single bear gallbladder can command thousands of dollars on the black market for use in unproven medicines and tonics.

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While 40 states already have laws against this trade, the current patchwork is full of inconsistencies. A trafficker might face years in prison in one state, but only a $100 fine in another. These domestic gaps create laundering opportunities that criminal networks exploit to slip illegally poached parts into commerce. By establishing a blanket federal ban on the import, export, and interstate trade of bear viscera, this bill gives law enforcement the unified teeth it needs to shut down these syndicates.

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As Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, perfectly stated: “Killing bears for their gallbladders is akin to killing rhinos for their horns and sharks for their fins.”

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As a dedicated advocate for wildlife preservation, I firmly believe that our commitment to conservation must be absolute. We cannot vocalize support for global biodiversity abroad while allowing gaps in our own federal laws to put our native species at risk. Defending the natural world means securing every link in the chain—from anti-poaching units in the field to the legislative halls of Washington.​

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STAND WITH THE PROTECTORS:

The fight to secure a safe future for our planet's wildlife relies on an informed, united community. If you want to keep up with critical legislative breakthroughs, get insights into anti-poaching strategies worldwide, and discover how you can add your voice to the movement, please sign up for my newsletter right on the homepage. Let’s make sure these majestic animals get the federal protection they deserve.

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