Bear baiting involves intensive feeding of black bears to make them easier targets of trophy hunters waiting nearby. It occurs typically weeks in advance of hunting seasons to accustom bears to feeding in a certain area.

How does bear baiting work?

By far the most popular sport was bear-baiting. In this brutal test, a bear would be led into a pit and then chained to a stake by its leg or neck. As spectators cheered and placed bets, a pack of dogs—usually bulldogs or mastiffs—would be unleashed into the arena to torment and attack the bear.

Why is bear baiting cruel?

The bears are captured and forced to endure immense pain even before they fight, with their canine teeth broken, muzzles painfully pierced with nose rings and claws often removed. ... Bear baiting with dogs is illegal and causes intense, unjustified suffering – and you can help us put a stop to it.