Buying a black bear’s gall bladder will get you a hefty fine.
At least that is what a woman from McKellar is finding out after the Parry Sound Court of Justice heard their cases and she was convicted for unlawfully buying and possessing black bear gall bladders. The fine is $6,000. A man was also convicted of unlawfully possessing a black bear gall bladder and was given a suspended sentence for his involvement.
The investigation was first launched into the pair in 2018 after information made its way to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry officers. The information suggested that the two were seeking black bear gall bladders, according to the MNR. Intelligence and Investigations Services assisted conservation officers in McKellar with the investigation that led to the charges and convictions.
The MNR says that the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act makes it illegal for a person to possess a black bear gall bladder that has been removed from the bear’s carcass. It is also illegal to buy, sell or trade game wildlife, including black bears, except under specific circumstances according to the Ministry.
In some cultures, there is the traditional belief that black bear gall bladders have medicinal powers.
The MNR advises that if you see a natural resource violation, call the ministry TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free, or contact your local ministry office. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS or submit a form online.
