Bear sightings in Salem, Missouri, led the town police to remind residents of an obscure state law: Bear wrestling is a Class A misdemeanor.

The state statute was originally put in place to deal with entertainers who would wrestle declawed bears, a practice that drew approbation from activists and regulatory action from legislators.

Most of the law deals with that practice, banning the surgical alteration of bears, selling or buying bears used in wrestling shows, promotion of bear wrestling shows, advertising and collection admission at such shows, and training bears to wrestle.

The bear wrestling shows are gone, but the law remains. When Salem police got word about a black bear spotted in the north of the town Tuesday morning, they rushed to remind the town about the law – but were by no means immune to the oddity of the situation.

“REMINDER.. AND YES THIS IS REAL Please do not wrestle the bear if you come in contact. Bear Wrestling is illegal in the state of Missouri per statute 578.176,” the Salem Police Department wrote.

They also warned the townsfolk against feeding the bear, or interacting with it generally.

General interactions, while advised against, are not illegal. But wrestling the ursine intruder or allowing a bear to be wrestled on one’s premises could leave a person with up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.

In the case of encountering a bear, the National Park Service warns against running, climbing trees or screaming. All three behaviors can spook the bear or give it the impression that you are a prey animal.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.