Summary of HR 4422 - Don’t Feed the Bears Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Don’t Feed the Bears Act of 2025 aims to address the growing issue of human-bear interactions in national parks and other natural habitats. The bill seeks to enhance wildlife protection and public safety by prohibiting the feeding of bears and other wildlife, thereby reducing the likelihood of dangerous encounters between humans and bears.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

• Prohibition on Feeding Bears: The act explicitly prohibits individuals from feeding bears in designated areas, including national parks and wildlife refuges.

• Penalties for Violations: Individuals found in violation of this prohibition may face fines or other penalties, which will be determined by the relevant authorities.

• Public Awareness Campaign: The bill mandates the establishment of a public awareness campaign to educate visitors about the dangers of feeding bears and the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife.

• Collaboration with Local Agencies: The bill encourages collaboration between federal agencies, state wildlife departments, and local organizations to implement effective strategies for wildlife management and public safety.

Affected Parties

The primary stakeholders affected by this legislation include:

• Visitors to National Parks: Tourists and outdoor enthusiasts who frequent national parks and wildlife areas will be directly impacted by the new regulations regarding bear feeding.

• Wildlife Management Agencies: Federal and state wildlife management agencies will be responsible for enforcing the new rules and conducting educational campaigns.

• Local Communities: Communities near national parks may experience changes in wildlife behavior and tourism patterns as a result of the bill's implementation.

Procedural Aspects

• Introduced Date: The bill was introduced in the House on July 15, 2025.

• Committee Referrals: Upon introduction, HR 4422 was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture for further consideration. The duration of this review period will be determined by the Speaker of the House.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by Shri Thanedar, with additional support from cosponsors Eleanor Holmes Norton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and André Carson.

Conclusion

The Don’t Feed the Bears Act of 2025 represents a proactive approach to wildlife conservation and public safety. By prohibiting the feeding of bears, the bill aims to mitigate risks associated with human-wildlife interactions and promote a safer environment for both people and bears in natural habitats.