No, bear wrestling is not illegal in Washington state—this stems from debunked “weird laws” lists often confusing it with Missouri (Class A misdemeanor), Alabama, or Louisiana bans aimed at animal cruelty.
Washington Animal Laws
Washington strictly regulates bear hunting, banning baiting (RCW 77.15.245), hounds except in limited cases, and body-gripping traps per voter initiatives, with violations as civil infractions or gross misdemeanors. No statute targets bear wrestling specifically; general animal cruelty laws (RCW 16.52.205) prohibit fighting animals, with felony penalties up to 5 years prison and $10,000 fines.
Other Prohibited Activities
Washington enforces quirky or strict rules:
- Skamania County bans harassing Bigfoot (Sasquatch), with fines up to $1,000 for harming the “protected” creature.
- Fake wrestling matches are prohibited statewide.
- Catching fish by throwing rocks is illegal.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/jun/2/police-missouri-town-remind-residents-wrestling-lo/)
[2](https://www.runsensible.com/blog/weird-laws-in-the-us/)
[3](https://law.marquette.edu/facultyblog/2018/04/its-illegal-to-do-what-strange-laws-and-why-they-exist/)
[4](https://aldf.org/case/challenging-washingtons-illegal-bear-hunting-regulations/)
[5](https://nwsportsmanmag.com/bear-and-cougar-hunting-rules-approved-by-washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission/)
