Upright Bear Update

June 23, 2016

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is aware of a new video posted on social media depicting the bipedal bear in a northern New Jersey neighborhood. The video is presumed to be authentic and recent. Division biologists note that, based on the video, the bear is active, appears healthy, a little larger than last year, and is thriving on its own having adapted to its condition.

The bear was able to find adequate food resources in an area of high bear density to have successfully denned through at least the past two winters in its current condition. Therefore, there is no need for intervention at this time. Division staff will continue to monitor the situation, but intercede only if necessary.

It is particularly important that the public not feed, approach or try to assist this bear. The public is reminded to never feed any bear or make food available. Bears that learn to associate food with people can become nuisance bears and possibly cause property damage and/or harm pets, livestock and people.

Information on steps to take to avoid creating problems with bears can be found at www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts_avoid.htm.
Information on black bears in New Jersey is available at www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts.htm.

Does Pedals the bear need help? - Interview with wildlife rehabilitator Tracy Leaver of Woodlands Wildlife Refuge (YouTube, 7/19/16)