Bears as Predators ~

[brotherbear]

Inevitably a reaction set in against bear-and-bull fights or any form of staged battle between animals. The novelty to the Amaerican was wearing off, the popularity of the fights was diminishing, the proprietors of the bull pens and arenas were beginning to lose money, and newspapers were calling for enforcement of the law. As early as 1851 the Nevada City Journal editorialized about the bear-and-bull fight. 
On Februrary 24, 1852, the San Francisco Alta California, under the heading, "Sunday Barbarities at the Mission," called upon the authorities to interfere and prevent further continuance of the exhibitions known as "bull fights" or "bear baits," in this city and vicinity. These exhibitions are a disgrace to our city, to society, to our laws and to humanity. Offered as "amusements," they are a gross deception and imposition, and by the irreverent selection of the Sabbath day for their presentation they become a desecration. They are offensive to the tastes of a majority of our respectable citizens, and with their flaunting banners and bands of music paraded through our streets during the hours of religious service, they are a nuisance against which in behalf of the community we feel compelled to speak. Reply