MARQUETTE, MI – (Great Lakes Radio News) – Legislation authored by Upper Michigan Senator Tom Casperson that would allow the public to touch and pose for photos with bear cubs cleared the Michigan House Thursday.
The measure would amend Michigan’s Large Carnivore Act by letting patrons at certain animal care facilities come into direct contact with a bear less than 36 weeks or weighing less than 90 pounds.
The bill stems from an Upper Peninsula bear ranch which last year had to discontinue allowing visitors pose for photos while feeding black bear cubs, because it was against state law. Bear ranchers argue that allowing people to interact with cubs is a vital part of their business.
The legislation now returns to the Senate for concurrence.
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