It is illegal to engage in a bear wrestling match.

The Law Explained

During the mid-20th century, traveling carnivals sometimes featured 'wrestling bears' that locals could fight for a cash prize. Recognizing the extreme danger to intoxicated humans and the inherent cruelty to the defanged and declawed bears, the state officially outlawed the sport. Now, South Dakotans must find other ways to prove their physical dominance.