Rescued bear now at Charles Towne Landing - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - A bear that has been chained to a tree in the back yard of a home in the Lowcountry has found a new home at Charles Towne Landing.

The 450-pound black bear Memphis now has a 2-acre compound to roam at the park.

The nonprofit Animal Rescue & Relief Inc. was able to get the bear moved to the park.

Director Michelle Reid says South Carolina needs a law banning ownership of exotic animals. Reid says often the animals are being kept without proper habitats or living conditions.

Memphis is 1 of 2 black bears at the park. The other bear was also a rescue case.

Memphis has been held in captivity too long to be released to the wild.

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