Congressman Shri Thanedar Introduces the Don’t Feed the Bears Act
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) introduced the Don’t Feed the Bears Act of 2025 (H.R. 4422), legislation aimed at ending the hunting practice known as “bear baiting” by prohibiting the intentional feeding of bears on federal public lands.
The bill directs federal land management agencies to adopt and enforce regulations that prohibit individuals from placing food to attract bears for hunting purposes. The legislation also calls for the consistent enforcement of existing rules by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which already discourage or prohibit the feeding of wildlife.
“The practice of bear baiting creates danger for both people and animals, contradicting what federal agencies tell the public: do not feed bears,” said Rep. Thanedar. “This bill is about strengthening public safety, animal welfare, and responsible wildlife management.”
Bear baiting typically involves placing hundreds of pounds of food, such as pastries, meat scraps, grease, and other human-scented materials, on the forest floor or in large containers to attract bears. These bait stations can cause bears to lose their natural fear of humans, increasing the likelihood of bear-human conflicts, and leading to unnecessary killing of bears labeled as “nuisance animals.”
“Placing garbage piles in our national forests to ambush bears is not hunting. It’s an unsporting and reckless practice that puts wildlife and people at risk,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “We thank Representative Thanedar for introducing this long-overdue reform and standing up for the principles of fair chase and sound wildlife management on our federal lands.”
Michigan is one of just a handful of states that still allows bear baiting, a practice increasingly scrutinized for its effects on wildlife behavior and public safety. Many states that allow bear hunting have already banned baiting because it is considered nonessential and unethical.
“Most states that allow bear hunting already ban baiting because it is unnecessary,” said Rep. Thanedar. “There are effective and ethical ways to hunt that do not endanger the public or alter the natural behavior of wildlife.”
Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.
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