# Don't Feed the Bears Act of 2025

This bill makes it illegal to intentionally feed bears on public lands and establishes penalties for people who do so. The law applies to all federal public lands, including national forests, national parks, and Bureau of Land Management areas. If someone is caught feeding bears, they can face fines and potentially other legal consequences.

The main purpose is to protect both bears and people. When bears get fed by humans, they lose their natural fear of people and start associating humans with food. This makes bears more likely to approach campsites, picnic areas, and homes looking for snacks, which puts visitors and residents in danger. Bears that become too comfortable around people often have to be relocated or, in worst cases, killed. By keeping bears wild and food-focused on natural sources, the law aims to prevent dangerous encounters and keep bear populations healthier.

This affects anyone who visits public lands—hikers, campers, picnickers, and tourists. It also impacts people who live near public lands. The law essentially says you can't leave food out for bears or intentionally give bears food, even if you think you're helping them. Wildlife experts say bears are better off finding their own food in nature rather than depending on human handouts, which ultimately leads to conflict and danger for everyone involved.