can you eat bear meat

Yes, bear meat can be eaten, but it must be cooked thoroughly to be safe. Bear meat often contains parasites such as trichinella, which can cause trichinosis, a disease that can be serious if the meat is undercooked. To safely eat bear meat, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F to 165°F (71°C to 74°C), which kills harmful parasites. Freezing bear meat may reduce parasite risk but is not sufficient alone to ensure safety. Proper field care, avoiding contamination with the digestive tract, and prompt cooling of the meat are important steps in preparation. When these precautions are followed, bear meat is safe and can be quite tasty.