7. Laws to protect bears are sometimes strange
Alaska is known for its wildlife, and in particular for its bears, which are often encountered by hikers and campers, as well as wildlife photographers. For some reason, the legislature in Alaska deemed it necessary to pass a law which prohibits the awakening of sleeping bears for the purpose of photographing them. Whether this was passed for the purpose of protecting the image of the bear, since few look their best immediately after awakening, or another reason is questionable. Likely it was intended to protect less than intelligent visitors to the woods desirous of a photograph of a bear, unaware of the potential ferocity of a recently startled bear.
Across the American frontier bear wrestling was a popular diversion (as was alligator wrestling in the coastal south) and as recently as 1996 was a legal activity in Oklahoma, when legislation was passed barring wrestling between humans and bears. Bear wrestling remained popular in the section of the country known as the Sun Belt, and the animals were frequently declawed and defanged. Many of the human wrestlers who engaged in matches with bears were well lubricated with alcohol (it was a popular activity in bars) and to help even the odds the bears were often sedated prior to the match.
