Ohio couple loses custody of their black bear

Jeff and Susan Fitzgerald lost custody of their pet black bear, Ben, after state officials deemed the bear’s enclosure insecure.

The Repository in Canton said they had repeatedly warned Jeff Fitzgerald to fix issues with the enclosure, and when he did not comply, they took Ben to a facility in Reynoldsburg.

Susan Fitzgerald said officials arrived unannounced and darted Ben, who was sleeping in his cave.

The Fitzgeralds purchased Ben when he was five weeks old from an exotic animal sale, and he has lived with them without incident for the past 18 years.

It is possible for animal owners to file appeals to get back their pets when they are taken by the state, and Susan Fitzgerald says that the couple intends to do so.

Editor’s note: the bear pictured is not Ben.

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