No, bear wrestling is not prohibited by any specific law in North Carolina—it’s an outdated myth from “dumb laws” lists with no basis in state statutes.
Myth Origins
Circulating urban legends claim North Carolina bans bear wrestling matches alongside activities like playing dominoes on Sundays, but no such provision exists in the North Carolina General Statutes (e.g., Chapter 19A on animal protection or wildlife codes).
The trope stems from early 20th-century carnival acts shut down nationwide for animal cruelty under federal USDA rules, not state bans.
Actual Animal Laws
North Carolina regulates exotic pets loosely—no permit needed for bears as private owners, unlike stricter states—but fights violate general animal cruelty (N.C.G.S. 14-360) with misdemeanor or felony penalties up to 3 years if harm occurs.
Public events require USDA exhibition licenses, effectively barring wrestling shows everywhere.
Other quirks like bingo limits (5 hours max) are real but mundane.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladviceofftopic/comments/u7q7v4/in_what_states_can_i_still_wrestle_a_bear/)
[2](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2530308-exploring-the-strange-history-of-pro-wrestlers-battling-bears)
[3](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jrqAF4m9Ly0)
[4](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1310702927514571&set=a.565330802051791&type=3)
[5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb0pQYvuV8k)
