Louisiana explicitly bans bear wrestling, a law enacted in 1992 to prevent cruel matches between people and bears. Violators face fines up to $500 or up to six months in jail, or both. This joins a roster of quirky prohibitions across the state, from Mardi Gras rules to local oddities.​
Bear Wrestling Details
The statute covers promoting, participating in, or profiting from bear wrestling events, including selling or training bears for fights. A “bear wrestling match” involves any physical contest between humans and bears. Oklahoma and other states have similar bans, but Louisiana’s targets organized exploitation.​
Mardi Gras Restrictions
Throwing Mardi Gras beads from third-story windows or condoms from parade floats is illegal statewide. Television reporters cannot toss doubloons or trinkets to crowds during parades. Bringing snakes within 200 yards of a Mardi Gras parade is also prohibited.​
Local Curiosities
In Carencro, requesting “more cowbell” is banned due to cowbell prohibitions; Abbeville forbids sidewalk roller skating. New Orleans outlaws voodoo practice within city limits and chasing fish in parks. Gargling in public and snoring with open bedroom windows are restricted in some areas.​
Animal and Theft Laws
Tying alligators to fire hydrants or wrestling them is illegal. Stealing crawfish or alligators carries up to 10 years in prison and $3,000 fines. Ingesting blood or bodily fluids in rituals risks 25 years imprisonment and $25,000 fines.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78237)
[2](https://www.facebook.com/TerribleMaps/posts/states-where-you-can-get-arrested-for-wrestling-a-bear/535898609198601/)
[3](https://www.morrisbart.com/blog/strange-louisiana-laws/)
[4](https://gator995.com/weird-louisiana-laws-that-will-make-you-laugh-and-shake-your-head/)
[5](https://www.gokenny.com/blog/15-weird-laws-in-louisiana/)
