Re: Black Bear organ meat
Yes, I have eaten bear liver. It was delicious!
Re: Black Bear organ meat
The only concern would be the same one found on all carnivores, too high a concentration of Vitamin A. It's the reason polar bear liver is toxic, all they eat is meat. I highly doubt a black bear eats enough meat to raise concerns. No doubt they eat meat, but eat a lot more grass and berries.
That being said, I can't stand liver so I will never know. Heart is delicious though.
Re: Black Bear organ meat
The heart is just a muscle so no concerns there. Vitamin A is the only other concern I'd know of, as mentioned by others.
Re: Black Bear organ meat
Re: Black Bear organ meat
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mod7rem
A question for you experienced Black Bear eaters. Are there any health reasons to avoid eating the heart and liver? I would assume there is not but thought I’d ask. I eat heart and liver of ungulates but I’ve never shot any Bears. I think this spring I will take up Black Bear hunting and maybe even shoot one.
You will be pleasantly surprised to discover how delicious bear heart and liver are! The only thing I worry about is trichinosis and that's why I have yet to try bear heart or liver raw - I make sure to cook them well to kill any parasites.
Good luck this spring
Re: Black Bear organ meat
You know, I eat just about everything off animals, moose and elk hooves, deer brains, tongues, I boil the heads down for soup, eat deer heart, kidneys, liver of course, spleen, lungs, and bear paws. But for some reason I can't eat bear organs. Tried the liver once and it was maybe because of the salal-berry diet, but I found it unpalatable.
Re: Black Bear organ meat
I have yet to see a bear heart that wasn’t bloodshot jelly with a bit of a hole through the middle. Not a huge fan of liver, I don’t mind deer liver, but when the weather is warm and a spring bear tips over in front of me, I’m not concentrating on saving the liver, if you know what I mean.
Re: Black Bear organ meat
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mod7rem
A question for you experienced Black Bear eaters. Are there any health reasons to avoid eating the heart and liver? I would assume there is not but thought I’d ask. I eat heart and liver of ungulates but I’ve never shot any Bears. I think this spring I will take up Black Bear hunting and maybe even shoot one.
I wouldn't eat it, but if you're into that, pick a fall bear. Full of berries. Spring bear out of the den hasn't shat in 5 months. Livers a filter.
Re: Black Bear organ meat
I always eat the bear heart. I rarely eat a bear liver because I don't eat any liver. I want to smoke more bear meat this year. I will prepare it just like I do for pork. 160 degree internal temp and devour.