Over 1.2 Million Bears Have Been Slaughtered For Trophies In The U.S. In 25 Years

In a gut-wrenching new report, Humane World for Animals has revealed that over 1.2 million bears have been legally killed for trophies across North America in the last 25 years. More than 1 million of those bears were killed in the United States alone between 2000 and 2024. Even more horrifying is the unknown number of cubs left to die after their mothers were gunned down by trophy hunters.

Wisconsin leads this blood-soaked tally with a staggering 92,112 bears killed, followed by Pennsylvania with 83,914, and Maine with 81,489. These aren’t just statistics. These are living, breathing animals, entire generations of bears wiped out for sport and ego.

“The data shows that trophy hunters have senselessly wiped out more than 1 million black bears in just 25 years,” said Wendy Keefover, senior principal for wildlife protection at Humane World for Animals. “State officials often try to justify this cruelty as a public safety measure. But the data indicates that while bear hunting has increased nationwide, the already uncommon occurrence of bear attacks has not declined. In other words, killing more bears is doing nothing to make people safer. Instead of addressing the root causes of human-bear conflict—such as bird feeders, chicken coops, trash and other food attractants—states continue to expand black bear hunting and perpetuate a massive and unnecessary slaughter.”

The brutality doesn’t stop with the numbers. Hunters are killing bears at their most vulnerable, during the spring, when they’re weak from hibernation and mothers are caring for newborn cubs. Others use piles of junk food to bait unsuspecting bears into kill zones. Some unleash packs of dogs in a cruel practice called “hounding,” chasing bears, and sometimes mauling non-target animals, until they collapse from exhaustion or are cornered and shot. Bowhunting often results in slow, agonizing deaths, with many bears left to suffer after being wounded. In Alaska and Maine, bear trapping, arguably the most barbaric method of all, is still legal.

Sadly, even as fewer Americans take up hunting, the trophy hunting of bears is on the rise. In 2000, 34,000 bears were killed. In 2023, that number surged to 51,000, the deadliest year for bears in modern history. This surge comes despite overwhelming public opposition: 76% of American voters oppose black bear trophy hunting, with similar majorities in states like Florida, Alaska, and California.

Yet the killing continues, not just within our borders. U.S. hunters are traveling to Canada to slaughter even more black bears for so-called “trophies.” In fact, black bears are now the top mammal imported as “trophies” into the U.S., with 6,000 bears arriving each year, over 13 times more than any other species. From 1999 to 2023, 175,438 bear body parts were traded internationally.

This is not conservation. This is not management. This is systematic extermination under the false guise of sport.

We must ask ourselves: How much longer will we allow this cruelty to continue? Our bears are majestic, intelligent, family-oriented animals. They are being massacred while the public stands in opposition and lawmakers do nothing. If we do not act now, we risk losing not just our wildlife, but our humanity.

Ways You Can Help

1. Vote for wildlife-friendly policies – Support candidates and laws that oppose trophy hunting.

2. Sign petitions – Add your voice to campaigns against bear hunting and cruel hunting practices.

3. Contact lawmakers – Email or call your state representatives and ask them to ban bear baiting, hounding, and trapping.

4. Support wildlife organizations – Donate or volunteer with groups fighting to protect bears.

5. Say no to trophies – Never buy or support products made from bear parts.

6. Educate others – Spread awareness. Teach friends, family, and kids about the importance of protecting bears in the wild.