What is HR 5534?  Also known as the Bear Protection Act of 2008 (BPA).  It was introduced into the 110th Congress by U.S. Representatives Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and John Campbell (R-CA).  HR 5534 is intended to close interstate loopholes, and limit the import, export and interstate commerce in bear bile products.  It is not a threat to states’ rights, hunters, or anyone else engaging in legal activity. 

Why do we need this law?  Aren't there state laws that cover these issues?   While state laws do exist, they provide incomplete protection against the commerce in bear bile and gallbladders.  In five states it is legal to deal in bear viscera (gallbladders or other internal organs) whether it be from bears taken in those states or other states.  Another eleven states allow cross-border trade in bear viscera though they prohibit hunting and/or trade in in-state bears.  Thus, you could buy a bear gallbladder, just as long as it's not from a bear killed in that state.  Proving the origin of the gallbladder makes things difficult for enforcement agents and prosecutors.

What will it take to pass HR 5534?  The bill did not pass this year (2008) but might be reintroduced in the future.

Bear biologists know that the normal effects of inactivity, such as bone loss or muscle atrophy, do not occur in hibernating bears.  When this process is completely understood, it may lead to advances in human medicine that will improve health and even save lives.