No, bear wrestling is not specifically prohibited in New York under current statutes. This claim circulates in “weird laws” lists but lacks backing in state code, often confused with bans in states like Missouri, Alabama, or Ohio.​
Animal Fighting Bans
New York strictly outlaws animal fighting, including cockfighting and dogfighting, with penalties up to class E felonies carrying 4-year sentences and $5,000 fines under Agriculture & Markets Law § 351. Bear baiting or exploitation for sport falls under broader cruelty prohibitions, but no explicit “bear wrestling” reference exists.​
Actual Prohibited Activities
Unlicensed boxing, sparring, or wrestling exhibitions require state athletic commission approval, with violations as misdemeanors. Promoting combative sports without licenses incurs civil penalties up to $20,000. Throwing a ball at crowds during events without consent is illegal in some locales.​
Other Odd Regulations
In Staten Island, wearing slippers after 10 PM on Sundays carries a $25 fine. It’s illegal to let a donkey sleep in bathtubs to prevent floods, per outdated ordinances. No walking an ice cream cone in your pocket on Sundays in some areas.
SOURCES
[1](https://law.justia.com/codes/new-york/bsw/)
[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://www.newsweek.com/barmy-laws-force-u-s-seaweed-sell-cars-1653920)
[5](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2530308-exploring-the-strange-history-of-pro-wrestlers-battling-bears)
