The State - News from April 10, 1986
An undercover sting operation to catch black bear poachers has resulted in 14 arrests and warrants for nine others suspected of dealing in illegal bear parts. State Department of Fish and Game spokesman Paul Wertz said that there is a large and growing market for bear parts in the Asian communities of California as well as overseas. A black bear gall bladder, Wertz said, can bring up to $360. Other highly prized parts include paws and claws, which are sold for jewelry and ceremonial purposes. The suspects operated in Humboldt, Siskiyou and Butte counties, Wertz said. The arrests capped a five-month investigation.
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