Pedals (bear) facts for kids
| Species | American black bear (Ursus americanus) |
|---|---|
| Died | October 2016 New Jersey |
| Known for | Videos of the bear were posted on the internet |
| Residence | Oak Ridge, New Jersey |
Pedals was a famous American black bear who lived in New Jersey, United States. He became well-known because he walked upright on his back legs. This unusual way of walking was due to injuries on his front paws. Videos of Pedals walking like a human became very popular online.
Many people were concerned about Pedals' well-being. Over 300,000 people signed a petition asking for him to be moved to a safe wildlife sanctuary. Sadly, Pedals is believed to have died in October 2016. This happened during a bear hunt in New Jersey.
How Pedals Became Famous
Pedals was first seen in 2014 in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. He walked on his back legs because his front paws were hurt. This made him look very unique. Videos of Pedals walking upright, which is called bipedal walking, were shared widely online. People quickly called him an "internet sensation." At first, some officials thought the videos might not be real.
Many people cared about Pedals. A woman named Lisa Rose Rublack started a petition. Over 300,000 people signed it. They wanted Pedals to move to the Orphaned Wildlife Center in Otisville, New York. Supporters even raised $22,000 to help move him. They hoped this would keep him safe and help him survive. However, officials in New York did not agree to the transfer.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection kept an eye on Pedals. They asked people to report any sightings of the bear. In 2016, they asked for help again. Pedals had not been seen since the previous Christmas.
Pedals' Death
Because Pedals was so famous online, some people worried about his safety. Angi Metler, who runs a bear education program, thought Pedals might be targeted by bear hunters. In October 2016, news spread that Pedals had been killed.
On October 17, 2016, New Jersey officials announced their belief. They said Pedals was likely killed during an official bear hunt. This hunt took place from October 10 to 15. It was New Jersey's first approved bow and arrow hunt in about 40 years. During this hunt, 562 bears were killed in total.
After Pedals' death, State Senator Raymond Lesniak proposed a new law. It was called "Pedals' Law." This law would stop black bear hunting in New Jersey for five years.
Later, a hunter filed a lawsuit. He claimed he was wrongly accused online of killing Pedals. He said he received threats and had his personal information shared.
