Ways and Means Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation aims to ensure the long-term viability of all eight extant bear species by prohibiting the importation, exportation, and interstate trade of bear viscera and bear viscera products . It defines bear viscera to include body fluids or internal organs, such as the gallbladder, but specifically excludes blood or brains. The bill seeks to address the decline in bear populations, particularly in Asia, due to poaching driven by demand for these products in traditional medicines and cosmetics, and to prevent similar threats to American bear populations. The Act makes it unlawful for any person to engage in these prohibited activities, with an exception for wildlife law enforcement purposes. Violators face significant penalties, including criminal fines and imprisonment for up to one year, or civil penalties of up to $25,000 for each violation. The bill also mandates the seizure and forfeiture of illegally traded bear viscera or products, with enforcement carried out by the Secretary of the Interior and other agencies. Furthermore, the Secretary of the Interior is directed to continue discussions with countries that are CITES Parties and non-Parties identified as leading traders of bear viscera to establish coordinated conservation efforts. Importantly, this Act does not affect state regulation of bear populations, lawful hunting practices, or the use of bear viscera in traditional Native American rituals, except for the specific prohibitions outlined.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Bear Poaching Elimination Act
USA119th CongressHR-9631| House
| Updated: 7/9/2026
This legislation aims to ensure the long-term viability of all eight extant bear species by prohibiting the importation, exportation, and interstate trade of bear viscera and bear viscera products . It defines bear viscera to include body fluids or internal organs, such as the gallbladder, but specifically excludes blood or brains. The bill seeks to address the decline in bear populations, particularly in Asia, due to poaching driven by demand for these products in traditional medicines and cosmetics, and to prevent similar threats to American bear populations. The Act makes it unlawful for any person to engage in these prohibited activities, with an exception for wildlife law enforcement purposes. Violators face significant penalties, including criminal fines and imprisonment for up to one year, or civil penalties of up to $25,000 for each violation. The bill also mandates the seizure and forfeiture of illegally traded bear viscera or products, with enforcement carried out by the Secretary of the Interior and other agencies. Furthermore, the Secretary of the Interior is directed to continue discussions with countries that are CITES Parties and non-Parties identified as leading traders of bear viscera to establish coordinated conservation efforts. Importantly, this Act does not affect state regulation of bear populations, lawful hunting practices, or the use of bear viscera in traditional Native American rituals, except for the specific prohibitions outlined.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.