Kentucky lacks a specific law prohibiting bear wrestling, unlike states such as Missouri (statute 578.176), Louisiana, or Alabama (formerly). The notion appears in misleading “dumb laws” lists often conflating states, with no matching Kentucky statute found.​
Actual Odd Kentucky Laws
Several quirky statutes persist from historical contexts, though rarely enforced today.​
- Women cannot wear bathing suits on highways without two police escorts or a club (KRS 436.140), excluding those under 90 or over 200 pounds.​
- Using reptiles in religious services incurs a $50–$100 fine (KRS 437.060).​
- Throwing flowers at public speakers is banned.​
- Carrying an ice cream cone in your pocket is illegal, originally to deter horse theft.​
Enforcement Notes
These laws stem from 19th–20th century morals or safety concerns but face First Amendment challenges or obsolescence. Modern violations might fall under general disorderly conduct instead.​
SOURCES
[1](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2530308-exploring-the-strange-history-of-pro-wrestlers-battling-bears)
[2](https://forestgrove.pgusd.org/documents/Computer-Lab/Strange-State-Laws.pdf)
[3](https://www.facebook.com/TerribleMaps/posts/states-where-you-can-get-arrested-for-wrestling-a-bear/535898609198601/)
[4](https://apnews.com/general-news-6fe3780719ae4a98ba380d5bf5262177)
[5](https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/bear-sighting-missouri-laws-prohibit-wrestling)
