Bear and Trichinosis

Special Permits deadlines for spring bear are coming up for most western states. Spring is a great time to pursue bear. Bears coming out of the winter den are in hot pursuit to find grub. It's not uncommon in some regions to spot 4 to 5 bears a day. Spring bears also tend to have a better coat if you inserted in a bear rug.

But, one reminder for a hunter in pursuit of bear is to be educated on is trichinosis. Trichinosis is a disease that people can get by eating raw or undercooked meat from bear. More cases have been associated with eating raw or undercooked wild game meats (such as bear) than eating domestic pork products. In the lower 48 states, trichinosis cases and outbreaks have been caused by the consumption of brown and black bear, wild boar, and even cougar.

Some symptoms to look out for are abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. These may be followed by fever, muscle pains, facial swelling, and fatigue. Symptoms can last from weeks to months. If you think you might have it, prescription drugs are available to treat the infection and the symptoms that occur as a result of infection.

The best way to prevent Trichonosis is by cooking your meat to an internal temperature of 160°F. A meat thermometer should be used because color is not a good indicator of doneness for game meat. Also one thing to remember is that Smoking, freezing, or curing game meat does not kill all Trichnoises species. Low –temperature smoking will not kill Trichinella, either.