In accordance with the Constitution of the State of Georgia, Article I. Section I. Paragraph IX. Right to assemble and petition, we the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of the State of Georgia ask the legislature to redress our grievance, to wit, prohibiting humans from intentionally feeding wild bears, the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus).

Today, there is general agreement in the bear management and scientific communities that most human-bear conflicts are the result of human behavior. Every day of the week, we see humans in our neighborhoods and social media luring bears to their property with human provided food and neglectful garbage storage. Bad human behavior begets bad bear behavior. We have a bad human behavior problem!

Humans must take responsibility to avoid contact or conflict with bears. Placing food or garbage, allowing the placement of food or garbage, or offering food or garbage that attracts bears and is likely to create or creates a human-bear conflict should be prohibited after receiving prior written notification from the law enforcement.

In the State of Georgia, it is illegal to feed wild alligators (O.C.G.A. 27-3-170 (2010) Feeding of wild alligators prohibited; criminal penalty) but not wild bears? Where in the realm of common sense does that exist? We do not see a lot of wild alligators on social media being lured on human’s back decks with pizza, honey, and other human-provided food.

Please sign this petition to show your support for the necessary measures to protect our community and wildlife. The State of Georgia's 2026 legislation session begins on Monday, January 12, 2026, and ends on Monday, April 06, 2026.