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

Hunter Blowing Call
Hunter Blowing Call

Downsize for End of Season Ducks

If you slog through just one frustrating morning of hunting off the “X,” you’ll learn the biggest spreads and best calling this time of year won’t do a thing to pull ducks toward you.

Mossberg Adds 940 Pro Waterfowl Shotgun in Realtree Legacy

For 2025 Mossberg's 940 Pro Waterfowl is continuing on with an optic-ready receiver cut to accept direct mounting of micro-dot optics (RMSc-pattern), while also becoming available fully finished in Realtree's Legacy pattern.

New for 2026: Bergara Premier Series CIMA Pro

Bergara has introduced its latest model of Premier Series rifles, the Cima Pro.

New for 2026: Millennium Dinner Bell 350 Feeder

Millennium Treestands has announced its Dinner Bell 350 Feeder.

First Look: ScentLok BE:1 Revenant Jacket and Bib

ScentLok has introduced the upgraded BE:1 Revenant Jacket and Bib, designed to be a trusted companion through the last minute, of the last day of the season.

New for 2026: YHM Victra-20 Modular Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) has announced the debut of the Victra-20, a new modular sound suppressor engineered specifically for 20-gauge single-barreled shotguns, plus new Turkey and Skeet choke options for the Victra-12.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.