578.176. Bear wrestling — penalty
Bear wrestling is illegal in Missouri
It’s a crime to wrestle a bear or be involved in any way with organizing, promoting, or profiting from bear wrestling. This includes training bears or altering them for such purposes.
1. A person commits the offense of bear wrestling if they:
- (1) Wrestle a bear;
- (2) Allow bear wrestling on property they control;
- (3) Promote, run, or stage a bear wrestling event;
- (4) Advertise bear wrestling;
- (5) Charge admission to see bear wrestling;
- (6) Buy, sell, or own a bear knowing it will be used for wrestling;
- (7) Train a bear for wrestling; or
- (8) Surgically alter a bear for wrestling purposes.
2. Bear wrestling is a class A misdemeanor.
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