California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens arrested Huong C. Tovan, 54, San Diego, for illegal trafficking in black bear parts. He was arrested in Redding while attempting to purchase bear gall bladders from undercover game wardens. Although bear can be hunted in California and bear season is currently open, it is unlawful to buy or sell bear or bear parts harvested under a recreational hunting license.
“The illegal trade of bear parts is a serious violation of Fish and Game law,” said DFG Chief of Enforcement Nancy Foley. “The lucrative profits derived from the illegal trade of bear products, most notably bear gall bladders, entice poachers who risk felony convictions.”
Many bears are poached solely for their gall bladders and paws resulting in the wanton waste of the animal. “The awareness by most Californians of this illegal and disgraceful practice often aids in the investigation and arrest of bear poachers,” Foley said.
Fish and Game wardens received an anonymous tip through its CalTIP (Californians Turn in Poachers, 1-888-334-2258) hotline that a San Diego area man was soliciting bear hunters in Shasta County for bear parts, prompting the start of an investigation in October 2007. Wardens in other western states reported receiving similar complaints. On Oct. 8, a sting operation was conducted against Tovan in which he purchased bear gall bladders from undercover California wardens in Redding.
Wardens obtained a search warrant from a Shasta County Superior Court Judge for Tovan’s vehicle and residence in San Diego, which resulted in his arrest on several counts of felony trafficking in bear parts. Tovan was transported and booked into the jail in Shasta County where most of the violations had occurred. The search and seizure of evidence revealed an accomplished bear gall bladder processing operation. It is suspected most of the bear parts were bound for Southeast Asian countries.
Purchase or sale of bear parts are violations of the Fish and Game Code and prosecuted as felonies. Convictions are punishable by fines up to $5,000 and up to one year in state prison or county jail.
