Bear Gall Bladders

December 4, 2007

Who knew? The illegal trafficking of gall bladders from California's black bears is such a lucrative business that it's arguably a bigger profit motive than heroin, all of which came to light this past week when a San Diego man was arrested in a sting conducted by the California Fish and Game. Huong C. Tovan, 54, of San Diego, was busted up in Redding for attempting to buy purchase bear gall bladders from undercover game wardens. "The illegal trade of bear parts is a serious violation of Fish and Game law," said the DFG chief of enforcement, Nancy Foley. "The lucrative profits derived from the illegal trade of bear products, most notably bear gall bladders, entice poachers who risk felony convictions." Many bears are poached solely for their gall bladders and paws resulting in the wanton waste of the animal. "The awareness by most Californians of this illegal and disgraceful practice often aids in the investigation and arrest of bear poachers," Foley said.

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