The present invention provides methods and compositions involving resorbable hemostatic agents that have the essential absence of microfibrillar collagen. Resorbable hemostatic agents of the present invention comprise polyethylene glycol, which controls bleeding in tissue and does not delay or interfere with healing. The resorbable hemostatic agents of the present invention are biodegradable and biocompatible agents that effectively control bleeding in bone and other tissue without interfering with the subsequent healing of the tissue.