Bear sightings in Salem, Missouri, led the city police to remind residents of an obscure state legislation: Bear wrestling is a Class A misdemeanor.

The state statute was initially put in place to take care of entertainers who would wrestle declawed bears, a follow that drew approbation from activists and regulatory motion from legislators.

Most of the legislation offers with that follow, banning the surgical alteration of bears, promoting or shopping for bears utilized in wrestling exhibits, promotion of bear wrestling exhibits, promoting and assortment admission at such exhibits, and coaching bears to wrestle.

The bear wrestling exhibits are gone, however the legislation stays. When Salem police bought phrase a few black bear noticed within the north of the city Tuesday morning, they rushed to remind the city in regards to the legislation – however had been certainly not resistant to the oddity of the state of affairs.

“*REMINDER.. AND YES THIS IS REAL* Please do not wrestle the bear if you come in contact. Bear Wrestling is illegal in the state of Missouri per statute 578.176,” the Salem Police Department wrote.

They additionally warned the townsfolk in opposition to feeding the bear, or interacting with it typically.

General interactions, whereas suggested in opposition to, usually are not unlawful. But wrestling the ursine intruder or permitting a bear to be wrestled on one’s premises might depart an individual with as much as a yr in jail and a superb of as much as $2,000.

In the case of encountering a bear, the National Park Service warns in opposition to working, climbing bushes or screaming. All three behaviors can spook the bear or give it the impression that you're a prey animal.

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