The Upstate Objects to Bear Baying

South Carolinians Agree With 49 States - Bear Baying Should Be Illegal!

Bear Baying in South Carolina Since various local news outlets, including the Spartanburg Herald Journal and WSPA, aired segments on the gruesome undercover footage of bear baying events in Spartanburg County and surrounding areas, we have heard from many concerned citizens who think this practice is cruel and inhumane and far from sporting. After hearing that ours is the only state in the Union in which this barbaric practice is legal, many South Carolinians are outraged and want to know how to help.

Speak out against bear baying!

Following are ways to let your voice be heard:

Contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR). Let them know that you are a South Carolina resident and that you oppose the practice of bear baying. Ask them to use their power to prohibit the practice. A reasoned and respectful plea, in your own words, will have the greatest impact.

The SC DNR can be reached by phone at 803-734-3886.

A letter can be addressed to the following:

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
P. O. Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
Attn: John Frampton, Director

Contact your legislators in the statehouse. Whether bear baying is active in your community or not, our state leaders need to hear a clear message from their constituents - South Carolinians do not agree that bear baying should be legal.

Find online contact information for your state legislators by visiting: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/cgi-bin/zipcodesearch.exe.

What is bear baying?

Participants of bear baying call it a competition, intended to train dogs to make shooting bears easier for hunters. In reality, bears act as bait for teams of hunting dogs.

Tame bears are rendered defenseless by having their claws and teeth filed down or removed. They are tethered in a small area into which teams of dogs are released in succession. "Points" are scored when the dogs force the terrified bear onto its hind legs (called baying). One bear is subjected to barking, biting, and jumping dogs for multiple hours.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued permits to individuals to possess bears that are used in the competition. While no new permits are being issued, bears belonging to individuals with existing permits are at risk.

The DNR is a powerful and influential agency and leaders need to know how their constituents feel about bear baying.

Thank you for your willingness to speak out on behalf of bears!