BLACK BEAR

This is just a lil rant sorry but I was looking on craiglist the other day an came across this add for a (FREE TO GOOD HOME) Black Bear.Seems they trapped it an now it was getting to aggresive for them to handle.They are offering it to anyone Well was just thinking just what we need a EXOTIC that just muled some one so decided to call animal control to let them know befor something happen.When I called they said they could not do anything unless it bites someone First of all its a black bear and its 400lbs and its got a additude!WTF so the called the state (Va Dept of Wildlife) pretty much the same thing.It wasnt tel I got intouch with the a Va Gamewarden that they finaly did something.OK Im done just alil rant but was I wrong?

No I think you did the right thing. Most people don't realize what a problematic animal is until they've had it for a few days but want to fulfill the desire to have one. That bear could have ended up anywhere.

I know most people don't want to see regulation of any sort, but I'm starting to feel people like this should end up on some sort of list, maybe like probation in which their premises should be inspected periodically once you do screw up. Start to weed out the idiots.

fuzz wrote:

This is just a lil rant sorry but I was looking on craiglist the other day an came across this add for a (FREE TO GOOD HOME) Black Bear.Seems they trapped it an now it was getting to aggresive for them to handle.They are offering it to anyone Well was just thinking just what we need a EXOTIC that just muled some one so decided to call animal control to let them know befor something happen.When I called they said they could not do anything unless it bites someone First of all its a black bear and its 400lbs and its got a additude!WTF so the called the state (Va Dept of Wildlife) pretty much the same thing.It wasnt tel I got intouch with the a Va Gamewarden that they finaly did something.OK Im done just alil rant but was I wrong?

My bold emphasis above... Isn't it illegal to keep wild game as pets without a permit? I understand you can buy a black bear from a breeder without a permit but I thought it was generally illegal to go out and catch native wildlife.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+4VAC15-50-100

4VAC15-50-100. Trapping prohibited.

It shall be unlawful to trap bear at any time.

I think you did the right thing too. However, it is highly probable that the Craig's list poster was joking around. Black bears are native to VA and therefore not considered exotic.

...damn, if id seen the ad i would got it n tied a couple of my dog leashes together n kept it in my snake room 8(

You did good.