Black bears would gain state protection, furbearer season under House bill

By: Cami Koons

Outlets: Iowa Capital Dispatch

Published: February 4, 2026

Words: 492

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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As Iowa’s black bear population becomes more permanent, lawmakers seek to end the “open season” on the bears by designating them a fur-bearing animal in the state.

House File 2099 would add black bears to the state list of fur-bearing animals, which would give the Natural Resources Commission the ability to establish a hunting or trapping season for the bears. The bill additionally sets a $2,500 fine for the unlawful killing of a …

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