Bear Protection Act of 2023
If enacted, HB 3518 would effectively prohibit any commercial activity surrounding bear viscera within the United States, including importation and interstate trade. This measure is intended to prevent American bears from being exploited and to align U.S. policies with international bear conservation efforts. The enforcement of this law would involve federal authorities, including the Secretary of the Interior and Trade Representatives, working together to diminish the illegal bear trade. Additionally, penalties for violations include significant fines and possible imprisonment, highlighting the bill's serious approach to wildlife protection.
House Bill 3518, known as the Bear Protection Act of 2023, aims to conserve global bear populations by prohibiting the importation, exportation, and interstate trade of bear viscera and bear viscera products. The bill highlights the plight of bear species, noting that all eight extant bear species are listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). This legislative effort stems from a growing concern over illegal poaching and the commercial demand for bear products, particularly in Asian markets where bears face cruel treatment for bile extraction.
The bill's discussions have led to various opinions among stakeholders. Supporters argue that the stringent regulations set forth in HB 3518 are essential for the survival of bear species, helping to combat the illegal trade that endangers these animals. However, there are concerns about the implications for state regulations concerning bear populations. The bill explicitly states that it shall not affect state-level regulations regarding bears or traditional Native American practices involving bear viscera, which could lead to debates about localized wildlife management practices and the potential for conflicts over authority in wildlife regulation.