You’ve probably heard that chocolate can be poisonous to dogs. But did you know that it puts bears in danger too?

This fall, four bears were found in New Hampshire. Hunters had used chocolatey treats to lure the animals in. But bears cannot digest chocolate like people can. When they eat chocolate, a substance called theobromine builds up in their bodies. The four bears died of theobromine poisoning.

The State of New Hampshire might ban the use of chocolate as bear bait. But not everyone agrees. After all, say many hunters, chocolate has been used as bear bait for years! It makes hunting easier. That helps keep the bear population from growing too large. Many hunters and guides have never seen a bear killed by chocolate. It happened once, they reason. But that doesn’t mean it happens all the time.

More than 100 hunters, guides, scientists, and citizens gathered last week for a debate. Some asked: Why not just bait with corn instead of chocolate? Bears love corn. Others suggested the state ban pure chocolate, but not baked goods with small amounts of chocolate inside. The Fish and Game department will decide next month.

God gave us animals to enjoy. But high bear populations can put people in danger. What is the best way to keep bears under control?