The bear wrestler: grappling since 4

Among the thrills and attractions that delight visitors to county fairs in Ohio is the opportunity to get into a wrestling ring with a large black bear.

For decades a few dollars has earned the curious, the inquisitive and the downright foolhardy the chance to get to grips with a 295kg animal and try out their best moves.

For those who don't fancy their chances performing a half-Nelson, a corkscrew leg-drop or a Boston crab on the bear, they can simply pay to have their picture taken with it.

But perhaps not for much longer. Far from being good clean fun, animal rights campaigners believe bear wrestling is both dangerous and cruel.

"It's ridiculous. I cannot believe it still exists," said Amy Rhodes, a spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "It has been banned in 20 states. It used to be much more common. Most people realise it is dangerous and inherently cruel."

The particular focus of PETA's latest campaign is Sam Mazzola, an Ohio-based animal exhibitor who runs the World Animal Studios touring exhibit.

Campaigners claim that many states have introduced restrictions on bear wrestling as a result of his exhibit - which was most recently performed in Cleveland. They have asked that the department revoke Mazzola's licence.

But Mazzola claims he has both tradition and a history of good animal husbandry on his side. He says he cares for a number of bears and that the business of bear wrestling demands dedication and care from the animals' trainers. He also says that after 20 years doing what he does, he has not intention of stopping.

"To be able to do what we do is not easy. I mean we're talking about a bear! Do you even realise how much work, time and love we put into that?

"It's like nobody stops to realise that," he said. "There is nothing I have done that harms the animals or their health, welfare or, safety."

To add some spice to his exhibition, Mazzola has hired a student wrestling champion to enter the ring. Lance Palmer, 19, may only weigh 63kg but he is a four-time Ohio wrestling champion - something he puts to good use when he enters the ring.

Palmer said he has been wrestling bears since he was 4 and has never been seriously injured.

"Bears are probably eight times stronger than people. They could do a whole lot of damage. But if they are having fun, they will play with you all day," he said. "To them it's just fun, they are not using all of their strength. Maybe I might use all my strength, but he's just playing around."

- INDEPENDENT