Fayetteville, N.C. — A bear that was held captive for years in Cumberland County is now at his new home on the West coast.
Ben the Bear arrived at a bear sanctuary in California via FedEx.
The 550-pound bear had been living in a cage at Jambbas Ranch in Fayetteville since 2006. The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, however, alleged that Ben's living conditions were cruel.
Earlier this year, celebrity PETA activist Bob Barker, former host of "The Price is Right," wrote a letter to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners calling the bear's treatment "miserable and unnatural."
A judge ruled ranch owner James Bass II violated state animal cruelty laws by not providing appropriate care. The judge granted temporary custody to two people fighting to free the bear.



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August 15, 2012 3:04 p.m.
August 15, 2012 1:50 p.m.
Before everyone knocks down this ranch, you might want to check out how many animals that Pet. group kills each year. Happen to know that Bear was very much loved at this ranch, do not believe everything you read in the paper. Ben was not treated bad no matter what you read.I am sure we will never see pictures of where he goes to in CA>
August 15, 2012 1:25 p.m.
August 15, 2012 1:05 p.m.
August 15, 2012 12:18 p.m.