N.J.: No Reason to Give Injured, Upright Walking Bear to Wildlife Sanctuary

The funds have been raised, the setting established, and the human help ready to go.

But for Pedals the bear, one hurdle still remains: the state of New Jersey.

Pedals is the upright walking bear that lives in the Oak Ridge, Morris County area and gets around on just two legs, since he’s missing one front paw and has a permanent injury to the other one.

For more than a year Pedals has been coming around a few neighborhoods in the area, making himself known but never causing trouble. In the past few weeks, however, amazement has turned to compassion, as residents sought help for Pedals before another New Jersey winter descended on the area.

That’s when Sabrina Pugsley sprung into action and began discussion with The Orphaned Wildlife Center in upstate New York. Pugsley was told the center would build a home for Pedals to join another dozen bears in their custody, come to New Jersey and transport the bear more than an hour away. The final cost would be between $15,000 and $18,000.

So Pugsley, as many do, went to social media and sought aid. A GoFundMe page titled “Getting Pedals The Help He Deserves” was launched, and in one week, 508 donors have raised $17,680.

See related:

• WATCH: Upright Black Bears Roams North Jersey Neighborhood
• Fundraiser Seeks $10K for Injured Bear Walking on Two Legs in Morris County
• $15K Raised for Walking Bear for New Home, But Wildlife Center Still Needs N.J. Approval

Now, with all the parts in place – an injured bear receiving a helping hand from human neighbors, thousands of dollars in funding, and a wildlife center ready to spring into action – why is Pedals still roaming northern Morris County?

Because the state of New Jersey’s Department of Fish and Wildlife isn’t so sure it’s the best move for the bear.

Before The Orphaned Wildlife Center comes to tranquilize Pedals and transport him, it needs approval from the state, which has complete jurisdiction over Pedals and his habitat.

The center issued a letter of request to do so earlier this week to the DEP, and no official answer has been given just yet.

“We’re reviewing the situation and are trying to get a closer look at the bear,” said DEP spokesman Larry Hajna to Patch. “But we haven’t seen anything so far in videos to change course.”

Hajna said the DEP’s Wildlife Services Section received reports of 125 injured bears in 2014, many of which had broken legs. “Bears are quick to heal,” he said, “even after breaks of major bones, but since they cannot receive prompt medical attention, the bones may not heal properly.”

Pugsley, who said she sees Pedals frequently, believes the bear is in pain, often unable to mobilize well. She’s also fearful he won’t be able to burrow or harvest before hibernation.

Hajna said the DEP sees it differently.

“Video footage we’ve reviewed shows the bear not only walking on its hind legs, but also dropping down on three legs with no difficulty,” Hajna said. “In this way, the bear is able to consume quantities of acorns and other natural foods which are a staple for all bears as they prepare for winter months.

“All injured bears compensate in their own way to find food and survive and this bear is no exception,” he continued. “Injured wild animals should be given every opportunity to survive on their own in the wild. This bear has survived in the wild for at least one year with its impairment without assistance from people.”

Pugsley, who adamantly disagreed, doesn’t understand why the state would get in the way of helping an animal.

“It would really be a hard pill to swallow (if the state does not approve) considering New Jersey has a bear hunt every year and has just expanded it,” Pugsley said. “They just killed an aggressive bear in Ramapo, but aren’t ok with this? There are hundreds of donors who want to help this bear and will come at absolutely no cost to the state. How could (the DEP) not approve that?”

If the state declines the wildlife center’s request, Pugsley said the money will be returned to each donor who helped raise funds. Hajna did not comment on when a final decision would be made.

An online petition was started Friday morning calling for 3,00 signatures to be sent to the DEP imploring the state to allow the transfer of Pedals to the wildlife center. By 1 p.m. some 300 signatures had been made.

A statement on the Orphaned Wildlife Center’s Facebook page at noon Friday said the DEP is asking residents to call the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 877-927-6337 if Pedals is spotted so wildlife biologists have a better chance of examining the bear in person.

What do you think? Should the DEP allow the wildlife center to take Pedals? Should Pedals remain in his natural habitat? Tell us in the comments.