Global News - August 2008
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Missing bear organs raise poaching worries
Tue 26 August 2008 14:00 UK — North America,Bears
Authorities in the US are investigating whether a black bear killed in the country last week was targeted by poachers.
According to the LA Times, officials in the US have voiced concerns about poaching after it was discovered that the dead black bear had had its gallbladder removed.
It was reported that the black bear was struck and killed by a car last week in the Lake Tahoe area.
However, the newspaper stated that when officers arrived on the scene, less than ten hours after the incident was reported, the bear's groin had been shaved and gallbladder removed.
Captain Mark Lucero of the Department of Fish and Game's northern enforcement district explained to the paper that this indicated "someone knew what they were doing".
"A second violation would be if the gall was marketed on the black market," he added.
It is believed that bear gallstones can be sold for considerable sums in Asia, where they are used in traditional medicines.
The paper's reporter added that the incident was "at least the third instance since May involving bear parts in the state".
Under US law, people caught illegally trafficking in bear parts face a fine of $10,000 (£5,000) and a minimum six months to one year in prison.
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