Let’s explore the quirky side of American jurisprudence with a revised list of the most eyebrow-raising laws still on the books today. From prohibitions on specific animals to rules about food, these laws are a testament to America’s colorful legal history. Here’s a refresh of our list, including a new contender for the number 9 spot that keeps the weirdness coming strong.
1. Alabama: No Bear Wrestling
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 1 shutterstock 131977367 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_131977367-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / AndreAnita
It’s illegal to engage in bear wrestling matches in Alabama. Seems like a fair fight isn’t exactly what they were going for.
2. Alaska: No Waking Sleeping Bears for Photos
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 2 shutterstock 1565368153 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_1565368153-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dean Drobot
In Alaska, disturbing a bear’s slumber for a photo op is off-limits. Safety first, selfies second.
3. Arizona: No Camel Hunting
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 3 shutterstock 2169881879](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_2169881879.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Muhammad Bilal23
Despite the desert setting, hunting camels in Arizona is prohibited. Camels breathe a sigh of relief.
4. California: No Frog-Jumping Contests With Fatal Outcomes
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 4 shutterstock 1952388028 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_1952388028-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Abhishek Raviya
If a frog dies during a jumping contest in California, it can’t be eaten. Frog rights are a thing.
5. Connecticut: Pickles Must Bounce
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 5 shutterstock 650369992 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_650369992-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Elena Hramova
A law in Connecticut mandates that a pickle can only be considered a pickle if it bounces. Bounce testing is the ultimate quality control.
6. Florida: No Selling Children
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 6 shutterstock 1663878934 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_1663878934-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / HTWE
Florida explicitly outlaws the sale of children, which is probably for the best. Family values take a literal meaning here.
7. Georgia: No Tying Giraffes to Telephone Poles
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 7 shutterstock 142911643 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_142911643-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / paula french
In Georgia, securing your giraffe to a telephone pole is a no-go. Parking regulations just got a lot more specific.
8. Idaho: No Fishing from a Camel’s Back
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 8 shutterstock 2298403503 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_2298403503-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dudarev Mikhail
Fishing on a camel’s back is specifically banned in Idaho. Looks like you’ll need to find another fishing buddy.
9. New Law: California: No Chocolate Milk in San Francisco Schools
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 9 shutterstock 1720343701 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_1720343701-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ivan_kislitsin
In an effort to improve student health, San Francisco has banned chocolate milk in public schools. Kids now have to navigate the cafeteria without their chocolatey companion.
10. Indiana: No Catching Fish With Your Hands
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 10 shutterstock 1594354792 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_1594354792-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / oknemada1
In Indiana, fishing with your hands is off-limits. It’s all about giving fish a fighting chance.
11. Kansas: No Snowball Fights
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 11 shutterstock 25699876 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_25699876-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brocreative
Throwing snowballs in Topeka, Kansas, is considered the use of missiles. Winter warfare is taken seriously here.
12. Kentucky: No Dyeing Ducklings
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 12 shutterstock 104104790 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_104104790-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Richard Peterson
Selling dyed ducklings is illegal in Kentucky unless in groups of six. It’s all about quantity over color.
13. Maine: No Dancing at Dance Halls Without Permission
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 13 shutterstock 100735168 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_100735168-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pressmaster
You need a permit to dance in Maine’s dance halls. Free spirits need to check in first.
14. Maryland: No Bringing Lions to the Movies
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 14 shutterstock 1014638701](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_1014638701.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ArtMediaFactory
Taking your lion to the movies in Maryland is a no-go. Movie night stays a human-only event.
15. Pennsylvania: No Singing in the Bathtub
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 15 shutterstock 2151181793 2](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_2151181793-2.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / AnnaStills
Serenading in the bathtub is outlawed in Pennsylvania. Keep the concerts in the living room.
Unbelievably True
![15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today 16 shutterstock 1890232807 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_1890232807-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Studio Romantic
The United States is a treasure trove of laws that range from the thoughtful to the downright peculiar. Whether these laws address public health concerns or prevent chaos (of the animal variety), they remind us of American legal history’s diverse and often humorous spectrum. Remember, if your plans involve unusual activities, a quick legal check might save you from unwittingly breaking one of these lesser-known laws!
More Articles Like This…
Mastering Underwater Photography on Your Travels
One Day in…Ayutthaya, Thailand
Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations According to Tripadvisor 2024
The post 15 Bizarre and Unbelievable Laws Still Enforced in the US Today was republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / sirtravelalot.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.