Bear, Bigfoot or Hoax?

by
posted on August 7, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (22)

undefinedOK, so I'll spoil everything up front: The video is (maybe?) one of a bear. But it's a bear that's acting a bit uncharacteristically, so I'd encourage you to read on.

The video embedded below went viral yesterday, and for good reason. Purportedly recorded in northern New Jersey, it features a bear casually strolling through the suburbs—exclusively on its hind legs. While it's not at all uncommon for bears to go bipedal to investigate their surroundings, etc., they don't often go on a two-legged walk, just for the heck of it. The last bear I knew to do that was named Yogi. After all, why wander around on two legs when you've got four?

The bear seen here, though, didn't appear to get that memo. And, apparently, it's not the first time the bear's been caught performing such antics. Locals told a nearby NBC affiliate that they'd seen the animal up on its hind legs on a number of other occasions.

At first blush, a lot of folks are assuming that the whole thing is a hoax. Given that the video doesn't get an up close and personal look at the bear, it'd be easy to fake. A second example though, seen here and posted by a Facebook user, seems a little more definitive.

So, what do you say? Is the video below legitimate? Experts say that if it is a bear, it could be nursing a hurt paw—hence the new posture. Check out the video and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Latest

More Montana LEDE
More Montana LEDE

More Montana Deer and Elk Hunters Afield on Opening Day

More sportsmen and sportswomen were afield than last year when Montana’s 2025 general rifle big-game season opened to cool and windy conditions on Oct. 25. Despite the increased participation. success rates also improved.  

Calling Bull Elk in Rifle Season

Calling may not only get a bull to reveal its whereabouts but also spur rut-like activity not many rifle hunters witness.

Nosler Expands Whitetail Country Line

Nosler has announced the expansion of its Whitetail Country Ammunition line.

Game Departments Warning Hunters About AI-Generated Misinformation

Two states are warning hunters to not rely on the artificial intelligence-generated responses that appear after a web search for state regulations, as they are often incorrect and increase the risk of sportsmen unknowingly violating game laws.

First Look: Nomad Outdoors Conifer VX3 Gear

Nomad Outdoor has launched Conifer VX3, the updated version of its line of technical in-field gear designed for maximum warmth when the winter winds howl and late season cold fronts throw the worst conditions at hunters searching for that target buck.

Recipe: Venison Minute Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Is there anything better than a fresh venison steak cooked to perfection and smothered in a buttery sauce? A thinly sliced backstrap and compound butter, or cowboy butter, make it a challenge to stop at just one.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.