No, bear wrestling is not illegal in Wisconsin under any current state law—it’s a persistent urban myth from “dumb laws” lists that misattributes animal fighting bans from states like Louisiana or Oklahoma.
Wisconsin Animal Laws
Wisconsin strictly regulates bear hunting with Class A licenses, zones, and seasons (e.g., Sept. 9–Oct. 13, 2026), but prohibits organized fights or baiting outside licensed hunts via game laws (NR 10.102). Animal cruelty statutes (Wis. Stat. § 951.02) ban intentional harm like staged wrestling, with misdemeanor or felony penalties up to $10,000 fines and 3.5 years jail, but no “bear wrestling” clause exists.
Myth Origins
These tales often exaggerate old vagrancy codes or circus bans from the 1800s; modern enforcement targets poaching, not hypothetical spectacles. Other “weird” activities like cheesehead hats on beds or donkey parking lack statutory basis too—focus on real rules like firearm transport or fireworks.
