Nonprofit Bear and Exotic Animal Rescue Sanctuary, or BEARS Etc., was founded in Montgomery last year on dreams of building the nation’s first bear-focused rescue sanctuary. But BEARS Etc. needs to buy land and build habitats before it can provide a permanent home for bears and other exotic wildlife rescued from the pet trade.

BEARS Etc. founders Kati and Ambrose Krouse launched the nonprofit in February 2017. Now, they are kick-starting a fundraiser for a down payment on land for the sanctuary and habitats.

Kati said they want to open a sanctuary in Montgomery because many exotic animal rescues in the U.S. are overcrowded and unable to accept more animals.

“I’ve worked in wildlife rehabs and zoos; I’ve worked in exotic animal sanctuaries over the last 20 years, and the bears just kept coming back,” she said. “I knew providing permanent placement for these animals was what was needed.”

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, illegal wildlife trade—the unlawful harvest of and trade in live animals and plants, or their parts and products—is estimated to be a multibillion-dollar business.

Because the state of Texas does not have a ban on exotic wildlife ownership, many exotic pet owners purchase the animals without understanding the responsibilities, Kati said. She said bears and other exotic animals kept in private homes require spay and neutering, vaccines, specialized vet care and adequate living space.

“Thanks to the internet, you can go online and get a tiger, lion or bear cub for less than a new iPhone,” Kati said.

In order to create a space for bears rescued from the pet trade, BEARS Etc. must raise a minimum of $200,000 to put a down payment on land. BEARS Etc. raised $4,000 toward that goal at its first official fundraiser Oct. 6.

Ambrose, who has experience in ecology and land management, said 200 acres could house up to 200 exotic animals. Sanctuary plans include an education and conference center, camp sites, a food forest and housing for volunteers, he said.

Meanwhile, the Krouses help transport bears to other exotic animal sanctuaries across the U.S. and host educational seminars for local agencies, organizations and schools. Increasing migration of black bears back into East Texas makes education on bear safety more critical now, Kati said.

“There are currently 1,000 bears requiring placement across the U.S., so that’s why it’s so important for us to get up and running,” Kati said.