Nearly 300,000 people have signed a petition asking that the bear be allowed to relocate to a facility in New York. Watch video
TRENTON -- Approximately 30 supporters of "Pedals," the injured walking bear, rallied at the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton Tuesday and delivered a petition signed by nearly 300,000 people asking state wildlife officials to help him.
The group wants state wildlife officials to allow the bear to be relocated to the Orphaned Wildlife Center in Otisville, New York, but the Empire State environmental agency said it would block any move to transfer the bear there.
New Jersey wildlife officials have said their biologists believe it's best to let the bear remain in the wild and they won't allow him to be relocated to New York. They want to capture the bear, have it examined and then determine the best course of action.
"We definitely still want him to go to New York but we're focusing on New Jersey right now," said Sabrina Walsh Pugsley, who started a GoFundMe page that has raised over $23,000 to relocate the bear to New York.
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"The Orphaned Wildlife Center said they haven't been told that they won't be allowed to bring the bear in. We just want to help the bear. If New Jersey officials have a better idea how we can help the bear, we're willing to listen."
The Orphaned Wildlife Center has said it'll build a special enclosure to meet the bear's needs and rehabilitate him.
Supporters of the bear delivered a packet of information on the bear to an aide in Gov. Chris Christie's office at approximately 11 a.m., Pugsley said.
Then, Pugsley and Lisa Rose Rublack, who started a Care2 petition that has nearly 300,000 signatures seeking the relocation of the bear, went to the state Department of Environmental Protection to deliver the petition and other materials on the bear to an official.
"They were very unwelcoming," said Pugsley. "They made us leave the packet at the front desk with security. It was just two of us. We were very peaceful. It was a little disappointing. We at least wanted to speak to someone and be acknowledged. We didn't even want a sit down. It was very frustrating."
Supporters then rallied in front of the Statehouse from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m, Pugsley said.
"It turned out better than I expected with the weather," she said.
PLUS: Have you seen the walking bear? Wildlife officials need help
Lawrence Hajna, a spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency's Division of Fish and Wildlife, said the material was received and delivered to Bob Martin, the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
The agency released a statement on Tuesday reiterating its desire to capture the bear and have their biologists examine it. Hajna said the bear hasn't been seen in three weeks and that may be a sign that he's getting enough to eat and preparing for the winter.
"If we examine the bear and he's clearly showing signs that he's under distress and not eating properly or needs intervention, we'll act accordingly," said Hajna. "We understand where people are coming from. We understand their feelings for the bear.
"But we won't know anything until we get a good look at him. We're in a wait-and-see pattern right now."
The agency has asked anyone who spots the bear or has any information on his whereabouts to call state wildlife officials at 877-927-6337 immediately.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.