“Pedals” the bear, which became an Internet sensation when filmed walking upright on its hind legs around New Jersey neighborhoods, was killed during the state’s extended hunting season this week as per the recent reports.

Since 2014 residents of Rockaway Township have posted videos online of the bear strolling through their neighborhoods and backyards with admirable posture, his forepaws pulled close to his chest. Many commented that on first glance, Pedals resembled a man wearing a bear suit.

“We did have an injured bear brought into our check station earlier this week ” Bob Considine, a spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection told the Daily News.

Rumors that Pedals had been killed started among an online community of the bipedal bear’s fans who believe the animal died sometime during a six-day black bear hunting season in New Jersey, which started on Monday.

Authorities have said the bear walks upright because it is missing part of its front right leg and an injured front left paw. It’s believed Pedals was likely hit by a car at some point.

The bear was last spotted over the summer when Joey Esposito posted this video to the Facebook page for “Pedals The Injured Bipedal Bear”

 

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