Family Bear Moved to Wildlife Refuge

A wild animal refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is welcoming a new resident.

Coco is a 17 year old male black bear that's been living with its owner in Jasper, Arkansas.

For years,  Coco was the main attraction at a restaurant in Jasper where he would perform tricks for the customers.  He was especially popular for generations of Boy Scouts who would make a special trip to see him.

Now Coco's owner is having to move to Florida and can't take the bear with him.   So he's giving Coco to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Because Coco is so docile, he is unique to Turpentine Creek, says co-owner Tanya Smith.  "This isn't a normal situation.  This bear's been well taken care of and loved.  But we rescued a bear last month in a small container with feces."

Coco will spend about 4 weeks in quarantine at turpentine creek.  Once he's adjusted -- he won't be in a cage with the other bears because he's been declawed and can't defend himself.


Web Extra
See how Coco's owner, Larry Visnosky, convinced Coco to get into the Turpentine Creek transport truck today, and learn Coco's history, by clicking here.