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This ish Is Meatballs: The Glendale Bear Might Not Get Sent to Colorado After All [UPDATE]
The Glendale Bear in his current cage (Photo courtesy California Department of Fish and Game/used with permission)
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It's been a long few days for a certain meatball-loving bear who once enjoyed the occasional trip down the hill into parts of Glendale and La Crescenta for a dip in the pool and a serve-himself snack. Captured August 30 after his latest romp in the neighborhood, the 400-pound bear known as Glen Bearian or Meatball has been caged up while he awaits a possible move to a Colorado sanctuary.
Unfortunately, his temporary time in Alpine, in San Diego County, has stretched on longer than intended, according to L.A. Now, who report that the Glendale Bear's move to the 720-acre Wild Animal Sanctuary (a "Club Med for Bears") is on hold--or maybe not even happening at all, thanks to varying interpretations of a Colorado law.
While the California Department of Fish and Game believe Colorado facilities are unable to take on wild animals, the Sanctuary's director, Pat Craig, says the law only applies to wild animals from within Colorado. Craig says there's room for Glen Bearian at the Sanctuary, and in fact plans on getting Meatball on their grounds this week.
We are hoping to soon learn from the CADFG what the bear's next options are if Colorado is a no-go.*
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We're also hoping, along with everyone who is handling Meatball's case, the Glendale Bear is able to get out of his small cage as soon as possible. The Sanctuary says they have great food, and as we know, our Meatball is a true gourmand, especially when it comes to his namesake treat, or the foods used to lure him into capture: McDonald's Happy Meals, bacon, and honey.
Naturally, the bear has some thoughts on his current plight, as "voiced" on Twitter:
I'm not a "licensed attorney" but it seems there are definite misinterpretations over Colarado state law and wildlife regulations.
— Meatball The Bear (@TheGlendaleBear) September 5, 2012
This ish is meatballs! M.E.A.T.B.A.L.L.S
— Meatball The Bear (@TheGlendaleBear) September 5, 2012
* UPDATE 3:08 PM: CADFG representative Andrew Hughan told us the following about the bear's current situation and what the next steps may be: F
or the moment the bear is safe and secure at the Lions, Tigers and Bears facility in Alpine, CA, though not a perfect solution he is well taken care of, feeding and appears to be healthy. The LT&B staff has been outstanding in stepping up and taking responsibility for the care and feeding of the bear. As the state agency responsible for managing California's wildlife, the Department is actively searching for a permanent home for this bear. This may take some time.
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