At Oswald’s Bear Ranch in Newberry, Michigan, bears aren’t treated as the wild, intelligent beings they are—they’re treated like props. Every year, cubs are torn from their mothers and shipped to this roadside attraction, where they’re forced into photo ops with tourists, confined to concrete pens, and denied the chance to live as bears should: roaming, foraging, and forming bonds in natural habitats.

This isn’t just unethical—it’s dangerous and deadly. Federal inspectors have cited Oswald’s Bear Ranch repeatedly for serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Bear cubs have been seen pacing and crying out in distress. Others have died from drug overdoses, starvation, collapsed dens, or causes the facility refuses to disclose. At least one bear, Sophie, was shot and killed after escaping her enclosure—an escape Oswald’s lied about to federal officials. 

This isn’t animal care—it’s cruelty with a price tag.

Since 1997, records indicate that at least 65 bears have died at Oswald’s, many before even reaching half their natural lifespan. And yet, the facility continues to acquire more cubs, feed them outdated food, house them in unsuitable enclosures, and allow the public to hand-feed and pose with them for photos. Some of the youngest cubs were transported across state lines in plastic storage totes—hardly humane or legal standards.

These bears belong in accredited sanctuaries, where they can receive proper care, enrichment, and safety—not be exploited for entertainment until they die or disappear.

We’re calling on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer to intervene. It’s time to shut down Oswald’s Bear Ranch and transfer all remaining bears to reputable, accredited sanctuaries before more lives are lost.

Please add your name and demand justice for the bears who have suffered far too long.