A Facebook page that has tracked Pedals reported he was shot last week. Watch video
Concern that New Jersey's famous walking bear Pedals had been killed last week during the state's extended bear hunt, has spurred hundreds of angry social media posts, comments both supporting and complaining about the hunt and condolences for the bear.
Fears of Pedals' demise began after a Facebook page dedicated to tracking the bipedal bear reported that the animal's carcass had been brought to the the Green Pond check station in Rockaway on Monday. At least 549 bears were killed during the state's extended hunt last week, the first in a half century to use bows and arrows.
The state's Department of Environmental Protection said many people had asked about the well-being of the walking bear, but they couldn't confirm the identity of the bears killed that hadn't been tagged by the state.
The DEP also said that, "During this current bear hunt period, and in previous bear seasons, there have been multiple bears observed at different check stations with injured or missing limbs."
Pedals, a media darling and internet celebrity, was last seen in late June on a golf course in Oak Ridge.
The bear's unique way of walking inspired many to record and post the sightings from their phones. The videos went viral and the bear reached Internet fame.
A GoFundMe page had raised more than $22,000 for Pedals' rehabilitation. But state wildlife experts said Pedals was fine, and the Division of Fish and Wildlife refused to permit Pedals to be caught and moved to a facility.
The bear's assumed death was reported across the country, and many commented on Pedals possible demise:
RIP Pedals hopefully you're out of pain now
With the ton of open land and such in one of the wealthiest states in the nation. Understanding the arguments for animal control, safety, and such couldn't there be a better way here? Another zoo? Some sort of preserve or something to earn revenue? I don't know, but it's rough seeing animals like this shot and killed.
i want to fight the guy who killed pedals the bear
-- low tide low life (@kerrrybramley) October 15, 2016
Pedals the bear is Jefferson's very own Harambe
-- Sam Bolka (@sambolka) October 15, 2016
-- kara vallow (@teenagesleuth) October 15, 2016
they better not have killed Pedals The Bear, please tell me it's a sick joke.
-- Suavecito. (@DamierGenesis) October 15, 2016
Maybe pedals was killed by a more dominant male bear during a territorial dispute. Maybe he was killed by a female bear protecting her cubs when pedals tried to kill and eat one. Due to his diminished capacity, he was unable to properly engage and he sustained injuries which lead to a long painful death. Maybe he was hit by a car again. Maybe he is still alive....
Sara Jerde may be reached at sjerde@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SaraJerde.