Rescuing Bears and Other Animals from the Exotic Pet Trade
Join us in championing our mission to rescue and protect neglected and abused animals, while also providing assistance to owners in need. Your tax-deductible donation is crucial to sustaining our efforts. As a 501(c)3 charitable organization, your support makes a significant impact. Our EIN number is 81-5239707. Let’s create a better tomorrow!Â
A Permanent, Community-Based, Self-Sustainable Refuge for Displaced Exotic and Wild Animals
Founded in 2017, BEARS Etc. is the nation’s first bear-centric sanctuary. Located in Walker County, Texas, we connect people with nature through education and awareness. We are building a state-of-the-art facility, providing a safe place for neglected, abused and unwanted bears that are a part of the exotic pet trade and giving them a PEACE of the Wild.
Get Involved
Be a part of the BEARS Etc. community and help us continue creating a better tomorrow for our rescues.
Upcoming Events
BEARS Etc. hosts a wide variety of community events to connect people with nature through education and awareness as well as raise funds to provide sanctuary or placement to as many of animals as possible.
Volunteer
The change starts with you! We are an all-volunteer organization, and their are many ways to donate your time and talents to support our work.
Explore Our Shop
Wear your love for BEARS Etc. on your sleeve! All proceeds from our shop directly support our mission of providing sanctuary for animals in need.
Why the Need for Sanctuary?
How would you feel if a bear or other large animal was living next door to you, in your neighbor’s back yard? As outrageous as it sounds, it happens all over the United States. Since the advent of the internet, private owners and road side attractions have purchased bear cubs for as little as $300, but often don’t have the facilities to properly house large, dangerous carnivores safely and with dignity. Because private ownership of these animals is not viable in the long term and the animal can not be placed back in the wild or zoo, the need for rescue organizations with sanctuary spaces is needed now more than ever. Across the United States, thousands of large exotic animals are in need of placement, and we’re here to help!Â
The average price of a bear cub on the internet
Wild animals being held in private captivity in the US
Bear-centric sanctuary in the United States!
Making a Change Through Education
Topics Include:
- Why large carnivores are not pets
- What individuals can do to change the laws
- How you can help locally
- Why BEARS Etc. is the organization to call to help with placement
Be an Advocate
Support the Big Cat Public Safety Act
The Big Cat Public Safety Act is a common sense and urgently needed solution to the cure and dangerous issues created by private ownership of big cats. This bill will ensure that big cats only live in secure facilities that provide for them while keeping the public safe. We support this federal intervention to protect public safety and animal welfare across the entire country.
The US House of Representatives passed the bill on a bipartisan basis in 2022. It’s time for the Senate to act! Please contact your Senator and urge them to support the Big Cat Public Safety Act (S. 1210).
Do You Know of an Exotic Animal in Need of Rescue?
BEARS Etc. is South Texas’ leader in animal rescue and placement. Whether it’s a private owner who no longer can care for the exotic animal, a person or organization selling these animals through the exotic pet trade, or animal control needing assistance, our organization has a long history of facilitating solutions for these animals. We also aid in aviary and aquatic rescues, with on-premise facilities. Our network is large, as is our ability to help.
Our Partners and Resources
