An international animal rights group plans to send a protester dressed as a bear to follow the Queen when she visits Canada this month.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wants the Royal Family to stop using black bear furs to make the hats that ceremonial guards wear at Buckingham Palace.

PETA says fake bear fur would look just as attractive.

In an attempt to push the implementation of fake-fur hats, PETA's protester will wear a bear costume made of synthetic fur to all of the Queen's public engagements in Western Canada.

She and her husband, Prince Philip, arrive in Canada on May 17th for an eight-day visit to Saskatchewan and Alberta.

According to the British Ministry of Defence, about 100 furs are imported from North America each year to make the traditional tall hats for the guards.

A spokesman said it's testing synthetic alternatives.

Between 40,000 and 50,000 black bears are killed legally every year in North America.