Cornell University has implemented a new policy prohibiting the processing of wild game animals in its community kitchens. This decision follows a viral incident in 2025 where two students butchered a black bear carcass within a dormitory kitchen at Ganędagǫ Hall.
The university confirmed that the addition of the rule, "Processing wild/game animals in community kitchens is strictly prohibited," was a direct response to the event. One of the students involved, Aaron Chin, explained in a podcast that he and a fellow student planned to prepare the bear, which they had hunted roughly two hours from the school. They stated they believed they were adhering to all campus regulations before bringing the carcass to campus.
The incident garnered significant attention on social media and within the campus community, leading to an investigation by state regulators. However, an inspector from New York's Department of Environmental Conservation reportedly found no code violations at the kitchen where the preparation occurred.