Poaching of bear gallbladders used in traditional medicine increases

Bear gallbladders are now all the rage? Bears don't have enough problems? What with global warming, pollution, hunters, lack of delicious prey, etc., now they have to worry about people stealing their gallbladders?

The Humane Society of the United States says that a bear gallbladder can cost more than $3,000 in Asia, where some people use the organ for medicinal purposes.  "Bear gallbladders and bile are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses including fever, liver disease, convulsions, diabetes, and heart disease," HSUS' website states.  "Clinical research analyzing the medicinal properties of bear gallbladders indicates that they may be effective for treating a number of ills. However, other natural substances already accepted in traditional medicine, as well as synthetic substances, can be substituted."

But the problem doesn't just affect Asian bears -- and their valuable gallbladders. Here in the U.S. a young bear with a missing gallbladder was found in Virginia's Prince William Park earlier this month.

On 11.18.2010, Park Rangers discovered a yearling bear cub dumped on the park's shared boundary with USMC Quantico. The yearling had its gall bladder removed (there is a black market for bear gall bladders). Park Rangers are working with other state and federal agencies to investigate this crime.

The Humane Society says each of Asia's five species of bears --  brown bear, Asiatic black bear, giant panda, sloth bear and sun bear -- has suffered the effects of hunting for the Chinese medicinal trade, as well as habitat destruction. There is also evidence of increased poaching of America's black and brown bears, as well as Russia's brown bear.

RELATED BEAR NEWS:
China issues new suggested practices for zoos following allegations of widespread animal cruelty
Humane Society of the United States urges South Carolina to ban practice of 'bear baying'

-- Tony Pierce
twitter.com/busblog

Photo: An Asiatic black bear. Credit: J.M. Jabat-Lacana / Photo Researchers Inc.

Comments

[FOXAY ROXAY]

HOW WRONG!! PEOPLE THINK ABOUT IT !!!! U DO THAT AND MAN!! ARE U MESSED UP IN THE HEAD!!!! WHOEVER DOES THAT IF U READ THIS IS U ARE ONE UNUSUAL PERSON WHO NO ONE WILL LIKE!!!!!

[ramonsmom]

People are so evil and sick.Any property found in an animal can be duplicated by science,besides all the medical treatments already available.

[NINA GONDOS]

WHY ON EARTH DO THEY BOTHER WITH THIS WITCH CRAFT? IT DOES NO HELP TO THE SICK ONLY LINES THE POCKETS OF THE SELLERS AND CAUSES GREAT MISERY TO ANIMALS

[kommoncents]

"bear gall blader uses" was the #2 search term on Google today... I feel scared for the bears

[cetude]

It's China. What else do you expect. In China they believe torture makes meat taste better-they routinely - while STILL ALIVE AND CONSCIENCE, break the bone legs of cats and throw them in boiling water alive and they are screaming in agony - they don't hide it. And the Chinese eat the cat meat smacking their lips saying finger lickin' good cat.

I've seen where they threw a bunch of live cats in potato bags and throw them alive and fully conscious in boiling water and boiled alive like lobsters. That's China for you.

[Rick Santana]

I agree it is wrong and it is ignorance. I went to China and didn't see any of these practices mentioned below. If it is happening it is probably happening with those less educated. This type of ignorance happens in every culture. That is why education and awareness is the key. From the Chinese culture we have also received much knowledge as well.