PULLMAN, Wash. – People have been poking the bears at the Washington State University (WSU) Bear Center, according to the WSU Police.
WSU Police asked visitors not to do this. Not only is it dangerous for visitors, it is dangerous for the bears, they said.
Visitors use sticks and branches to trespass into the bear’s space, they reported
Although visitors may just be curious, WSU Police said that this act is both dangerous and illegal.
According to the Revised Code of Washington 9.08.090, injuring a research animal is a Class C felony and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
They noted that the area around the Bear Center is monitored by security cameras and that inappropriate behavior would be documented and reported.
They also asked people to report concerning behavior to campus authorities.
“Respect the Bears – It’s the Law,” they wrote.
