Much loved walking bear Pedals ‘shot and killed by hunters in New Jersey’

A MUCH-LOVED bear who became an internet sensation after videos appeared of it walking on two legs is feared to have been shot by poachers.

Pedals the bear was frequently spotted walking upright on its hind legs around New Jersey, America.

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On Friday a post on the bear's official Facebook page - Pedals The Injured Bipedal Bear - said the beloved animal had been killed by poachers.

The post reads: "The hunter who has wanted him dead for nearly three years had the satisfaction of putting an arrow through him, bragging at the station.

"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. PEDALS is at peace now because his beautiful soul left his body when he was killed."

The post claims Pedals was killed during New Jersey's extended hunting season on Monday.

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After receiving multiple requests for information about the status of Pedals, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued a statement to say it has no way to identify the bear because it had not been tagged and a DNA sample had never been taken.

The bear first gained fame after it was spotted ambling around in 2014.

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Videos capturing the sight - which has been compared to a cartoon or a man in costume - have since gone viral.

Experts believe the bear walked on two legs because it had an injured leg or paw, which didn't allow it to walk comfortably on all fours.

Campaigns and fundraising drives had been launched to give the bear protection or help - but officials disapproved saying the bear should stay where it is.

The news comes months after Cincinnati Zoo keepers came under fire for killing gorilla Harambe after a child fell into his enclosure.

Last year the killing of Cecil the lion also caused an enormous online backlash.

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