Bear cub handling one step closer to being legal in Michigan

Michiganders could have the chance to pet and take photos with bear cubs, under legislation approved by the House, and passed by the Senate last month.

Senate Bill 48 would amend the state's "Large Carnivore Act."

More from the Associated Press:

The bill approved by a 56-52 vote Thursday would free up facilities to allow the handling of bear cubs up to 9 months old or weighing no more than 90 pounds...

The legislature passed a similar bill last session, but it was vetoed Snyder. It had been tied to another bill Snyder had concerns about, but he encouraged the Legislature to re-introduce this bill on its own this session.

MPRN's Jake Neher reported on last month's Senate vote on the bill.

Senator Rebekah Warren was one of the Senators who voted against the bill.

She says lawmakers should put residents’ safety ahead of the financial benefit of a single business.

“It’s just this reminder that wild animals do always have the potential to be dangerous, to act in a way that’s unpredictable that could result in harm to our citizens.”

The bill will now go back to the Senate for final approval and then make its way to Gov. Rick Snyder's desk where it will likely be signed into law.