'Pedals' the bear killed during NJ hunt, says activist

NEW JERSEY (FOX 5 NY) - A bear seen walking on its hind legs in New Jersey over the past several years was killed during a bear hunt on Monday, according to the Facebook page devoted to 'Pedals.'

The announcement on Friday read in part: "For the hundreds and thousands of animals lovers who were following his story, I am sorry that we have this sad news to bring to you... The hunter who has wanted him dead for nearly 3 years had the satisfaction of putting an arrow through him, bragging at the station."

The bear believed to be 'Pedals' was brought to the weigh station in Rockaway.  State Wildlife officials have not confirmed its death.

Photos and videos of 'Pedals' were often posted on social media. In one of its most recent sightings, witnesses including residents of Oak Ridge said the bear appeared to be severely underweight and injured.

A nonprofit group called Orphaned Wildlife Center in Otisville, New York, offered to take in 'Pedals.'

Wildlife experts said the black hear had some sort of leg or paw injury that didn't allow it to spend much time on all fours.

Last November, activists dropped off petitions supporting relocation of the bear, and staged a small rally to raise awareness of 'Pedals' status. More than 290,000 people signed the petition at the time.