UNITED STATES ALLOWS USE OF BEAR BILE/PARTS

Asian bears are critically endangered. Their parts and derivatives have been banned from international trade since 1979. Despite this ban, Asian bear parts continue to be sold in the U.S. and around the world, because it is virtually impossible to distinguish an Asian from a North American bear gallbladder.

The United States imports and consumes Asian bear parts. In 1995, nine individuals were charged with importing bear bile products.

As long as bear gallbladders can be legally sold in the U.S. and elsewhere, bear populations around the world are at risk.