Famed television game show host and animal-rights activist Bob Barker called for a boycott of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians after the North Carolina tribe refused his call to close its caged bear exhibit.

Barker, who grew up on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, said the bears weren't being treated humanely. After meeting with tribal leaders, he held a press conference with Beverly Young, the wife of Rep. Bill Young (R-Florida).

“We treat terrorists in Guantanamo better than these bears are treated, and these bears didn't do anything to us," said Young, who visited the reservation with her husband and family last summer, The Asheville Citizen-Times reported. " We invaded their land.”

Chief Michell Hicks wasn't impressed with Barker or the tactics of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. “I'm appalled by his behavior and him accusing the Cherokee of being barbaric,” Hicks told the Citizen-Times.

The tribe depends heavily on tourists to visit its casino, hotel and cultural exhibits.

Get the Story:
Eastern Band dismisses bear treatment protests from Barker, PETA (The Asheville Citizen-Times 7/30)

Related Stories:
Congressman's wife upset with Cherokee bears (7/29)
Bob Barker to meet with Eastern Cherokee chief (7/28)