The charges under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of Interprovincial and International Trade Act carry a maximum fine for individuals of $25,000 and/or 6 months in jail per violation. Under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, the maximum penalty per violation is $100,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of not more than two years if the offence was committed for commercial purposes.

Bear gall bladders are used in traditional Asian medicine. The foreign black market value of black bear gall bladders can range from $2,000 to $10,000 for each gall bladder, or up to $55 per gram.

For further information, please contact:
Environment Canada
http://www.ec.gc.ca

WWF Photo:
http://www.wwf.org