Pedals was a black bear that had adapted to having two injured front paws by walking upright. He was thriving and healthy. He was a beloved icon in New Jersey. He was never a threat or a nuisance. On the contrary, the sight of Pedals would fill people with awe, wonder and joy. NJ residents are heartbroken over his cruel demise at the hands of a bow hunter. It was the first such hunt in 4 decades -- We want it to be the last. 

Pedals' killer should not be allowed to hunt bears any more. But we shouldn't stop there. The tragedy shows we should get rid of the hunt altogether in New Jersey. The New Jersey Legislature is considering ending the bear hunt, and we need your support to make sure they do.

Pedals was a gentle animal with a handicap that was cruelly and inhumanely killed. And Pedals wasn’t just a bear to the community, he was seen as a member of the community. So many feel strongly the hunter should never be able to hunt again after such an egregious act. Unfortunately, such cruelty is deemed legal by the state. That is why we must end the bear hunt in New Jersey. 

Pedals is not a unique case. The black bears of New Jersey don’t need to be hunted down. They need to be protected. The only way to do that is to end the hunt.