No, bear wrestling is illegal in Utah under state animal cruelty laws added in the early 1990s. The prohibition covers participating, promoting, or profiting from such matches, with penalties including fines or jail time.​
Key Prohibitions
Utah Code bans organized bear wrestling events following complaints about bear mistreatment by traveling shows. It also outlaws related acts like training bears for fights or charging admission.​
Other Odd Rules
State wildlife regulations (R657-33) restrict bear pursuits to permitted seasons with limits on dogs, bait, and methods, prohibiting harm outside legal hunting. General cruelty statutes apply to unauthorized interactions.
SOURCES
[1](https://apnews.com/general-news-6fe3780719ae4a98ba380d5bf5262177)
[2](https://wildlife.utah.gov/r657-33.html)
[3](https://forestgrove.pgusd.org/documents/Computer-Lab/Strange-State-Laws.pdf)
[4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear-baiting)
[5](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2530308-exploring-the-strange-history-of-pro-wrestlers-battling-bears)
