Public records reveal that at least 15 grizzly bears died under Washington State University’s Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center between 2010 and 2016. These deaths highlight a troubling pattern of neglect, inadequate veterinary care, and unethical research practices.

 • Euthanasia for population control and research: Bears were euthanized for tissue sampling or population management, while others died due to negligence, such as improper monitoring during hibernation.

 • Unsafe practices: An 11-year-old bear named Mica died from a uterine tear linked to a poorly monitored contraceptive treatment.

 • Housing issues: Culvert traps, once used for hibernation, caused harm, including one bear’s death from untreated gastric ulcers.

These practices have raised serious ethical concerns about WSU’s treatment of research animals. I am working to contact the appropriate authorities to obtain an updated count of bear deaths and their causes as of 2024.

In addition to the bear deaths, the IACUC cited an incident in which three bighorn sheep were administered 50 times the approved dosage of a drug for three days in a row (The Daily Evergreen, 2016). 

We demand an immediate end to WSU’s inhumane bear research practices. Sign this petition to protect these creatures from further mistreatment and advocate for ethical research standards.