Journal Published Online: 01 November 1993
Volume 38, Issue 6

International Trade in Bear Gall Bladders: Forensic Source Inference

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Fresh and desiccated gall bladders of the Ursidae family (bears) obtained as criminal evidence were characterized by analysis of the principal biliary components, mainly ursodeoxycholyl-taurine, cholyl-taurine and chenodeoxycholyl-taurine using TLC and HPLC. This bile acids profile appears to be an Ursidae family characteristic. Results show that of the samples from Asia only 3% were from the Ursidae family and 18% were from “farmed bears.” Samples seized in the U.S.A. and Canada showed that 22.6% and 85% respectively, were from Ursids. The remaining samples were consistent with bile from the domestic pig (Suidae).

Author Information

Espinoza, EO
National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory, Ashland, OR
Shafer, JA
National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory, Ashland, OR
Hagey, LR
University of California, San Diego, CA
Pages: 9
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Stock #: JFS13540J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13540J