Bear, Bigfoot or Hoax?

by
posted on August 7, 2014
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

Hevi Steel Layered Waterfowl Lede
Hevi Steel Layered Waterfowl Lede

First Look: Hevi-Shot Hevi-Steel Layered Waterfowl Loads

Hevi-Shot has added new product options in its Hevi-Steel Waterfowl lineup. The four new layered steel pellet loads, in 12- or 20-gauge, feature two different-sized steel pellets layered in the same shell, with dependable ignition and a unique Hevi-Shot wad to produce tight and reliable patterns.

First Look: Heritage Manufacturing Coachwhip Side by Side

Heritage Manufacturing has announced the release of the Coachwhip, a side-by-side coach gun designed to transport shooters back to the rugged beauty of the American frontier.

Head to Head: 6.5 PRC vs. 26 Nosler

Between the 6.5 PRC and 26 Nosler, which is the better choice for the hunter? We take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Are You an "Average" Hunter?

The Outdoor Industry Association’s Outdoor Foundation recently released “2023 Special Report: Hunting”—with survey results from 2022—includes information on participation, motivation and demographics.

Review: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro Series

The Outfitter G3 Pro Series is very ergonomic, accurate and easy to shoot. Pricing is reasonable and, depending on the cartridge chosen, this single shot rifle is suitable for hunting anything in North America.

#SundayGunday: Davidson's Exclusive GForce GF5 Plush

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a Davidson’s Exclusive GForce Arms GF5 Plush Over/Under shotgun.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.