The Poaching of Black Bears in New Jersey .
Bear paws, bear gallbladder, and bear meat. Do these items sound appetizing? At some Asian markets, black bear parts can be found for sale and bear paws are a delicacy in some Asian countries. (Roberts) These various bear parts get to markets and restaurants by the means of poaching. Currently poaching is illegal in New Jersey as well as in other states. Strict anti-poaching laws protect the mild natured and shy black bear from poachers. Poaching is not only immoral and unethical, but also very cruel and must be stopped.
Poaching is defined as taking something unfairly or illegally from someone else's land. "New Jersey, unlike neighboring states, has not changed its laws dealing with poaching and illegal trafficking in wildlife since 1939. If caught, a person might face a fine, beginning at $300."(Johnson) However, if caught in New York they might go to jail; so of course more people will poach in New Jersey. (Johnson) This must be stopped; new laws must be made. The senate is currently changing the law, where fines can go anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000 and the crime would carry a 5 to 10 year jail sentence. Poachers must be caught and prosecuted. (Johnson).
Some people, especially from Asian countries, argue that black bear parts are a necessity. Ground-up bear gallbladder is a prized ingredient in traditional Asian medicine but there is also a synthetic version which does the exact same thing, the sacrifice of bears can be avoided. At some exotic Asian restaurants bear paws are found on the menu for $60, and bear gallbladder as well which is $2000 and up. (Roberts) It is not worth killing a massive bear just for the use of it's gallbladder or paws. Black bears did absolutely nothing to deserve this.
Even with such severe punishments poaching still goes on. The main reason for this is the temptations of money. Currently there are demands for all sorts of parts from black bears.