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OctoBEARfest to Raise Funds for Bear Sanctuary

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MONTGOMERY, TX – Did you know that bears exist in our area? Did you know that there are almost 1,000 bears living in peoples’ backyards as pets, in roadside attractions, and in concrete pits in Texas and across the U.S. in need of placement, bought out of the exotic pet trade? Many animal facilities across the country, housing large exotic animals and wildlife, have been closed due to lack of finances, lack of appropriate care, and neglect.

In the last 2 months two large animal rescue organizations have closed. One closure was due based on lack of financial support, and the other due to substandard care for the animals by the USDA. Wildlife Waystation located in California could not afford to continually serve over 470 animals. Currently an excess of 100 large cats and bears with 47 chimpanzees need placement in various location across the United States.

Bears Etc. exists to provide a permanent, community-based, self-sustainable refuge for displaced bears and to educate others about the natural world. As a Bear Rescue Sanctuary, founded in Montgomery County, the organization connects people with nature through education and awareness. Bears Etc.’s aspiration is to build the nation’s first state-of-the-art Bear Sanctuary, providing a safe place for neglected, abused, and unwanted bears that are a part of the exotic pet trade.

 

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The nation is in the midst of the largest animal rescue effort in its history. Three years ago 150 big cats and bears needed placement from animal sanctuaries in Colorado and South Dakota. Nothing has changed since then, the problem just increases.

This is why Bears Etc. is needed. All of the animal rescue sanctuaries are still full and there continues to be a need for additional neglected large animals. The alternative is euthanasia.

Bears Etc. is trying to raise $40,000 by the end of the year for a down payment on a property and currently has $14,000 in the bank. OctoBEARFest is its largest fundraiser of the year. The 2nd Annual OctoBEARfest on Saturday, October 12, is in Downtown Montgomery on Liberty from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Additional sponsors, vendors, BBQ teams, and (non-motorized) lawnmower race teams are needed.

 

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“Come out and have a great time with family and friends and eat some BBQ,” said Kati Krouse, Executive Director of Bears, Etc. “All proceeds from the event go into our capital campaign to purchase a property in Montgomery County. Help us build the nation’s first bear sanctuary! Help us help the bears that are in dire need of placement. Help us give them a PEACE of the wild!”

Learn more about Bears Etc, by visiting their website at BearsEtc.org or email info@bearsetc.org.

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