July 1, 2009 | Category: Wildlife
A new twist on the traditional bear skin rug
California Outdoors Q&A.
Question:
For the past 25 years, I have been weaving rugs using wool and hair from a variety of animals and then selling those rugs. I can obtain some bear hair from a wildlife researcher working out-of-state and want to know if it would be legal for me to use this in my weavings. (Barbara S.)
Answer:
No, under California law you may not sell any part of a bear (FGC Section 4758.) The source or species of bear does not make a difference in the eyes of the law - sale of any part of any bear is illegal. According to Department of Fish and Game Captain (ret.) Phil Nelms, this is in fact one of the few Fish and Game crimes that can be prosecuted as a felony. Please note that it is legal for you to posses or use legally obtained bear parts for personal use. It is the sale of bear parts in any form that is prohibited.
Carrie Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. She cannot personally answer everyone's questions but will select a few to answer in her column each week. Contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.
Question:
For the past 25 years, I have been weaving rugs using wool and hair from a variety of animals and then selling those rugs. I can obtain some bear hair from a wildlife researcher working out-of-state and want to know if it would be legal for me to use this in my weavings. (Barbara S.)
Answer:
No, under California law you may not sell any part of a bear (FGC Section 4758.) The source or species of bear does not make a difference in the eyes of the law - sale of any part of any bear is illegal. According to Department of Fish and Game Captain (ret.) Phil Nelms, this is in fact one of the few Fish and Game crimes that can be prosecuted as a felony. Please note that it is legal for you to posses or use legally obtained bear parts for personal use. It is the sale of bear parts in any form that is prohibited.
Carrie Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. She cannot personally answer everyone's questions but will select a few to answer in her column each week. Contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.
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