No, bear wrestling is not explicitly illegal in Illinois, as no specific state statute targets it; instead, it falls under broader animal cruelty and public safety laws that effectively prohibit such acts nationwide.​
Myth Origins
The idea circulates as an urban legend in “dumb laws” lists, often vaguely claiming bans in 20 states including Illinois, but stems from outdated traveling animal shows shut down decades ago by USDA regulations rather than state-specific bear wrestling prohibitions.​
Illinois Animal Laws
Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act (510 ILCS 70) criminalizes animal torture, neglect, or exploitation, with Class A misdemeanors carrying up to one year in jail and $25,000 fines; staging a bear fight would qualify. Exotic animal ownership requires permits under the Dangerous Animals Act, and violations like wrestling bears trigger confiscation and felony charges for repeat offenders.​
Practical Enforcement
Public safety statutes ban dangerous exhibitions, aligning with federal Animal Welfare Act standards impossible to meet for bear wrestling; no modern prosecutions exist, as the practice is extinct.​
SOURCES
[1](https://iere.org/what-state-is-it-illegal-to-wrestle-a-bear/)
[2](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladviceofftopic/comments/u7q7v4/in_what_states_can_i_still_wrestle_a_bear/)
[3](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/legisnet92/hbgroups/hb/920hb2565.html)
[4](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/legisnet91/hbgroups/hb/910HB0245LV.html)
[5](https://people.howstuffworks.com/weird-laws.htm)
