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

400 Legend 210 Grain Interlock
400 Legend 210 Grain Interlock

First Look: Hornady American Whitetail 400 Legend

Hornady has released 400 Legend 210 grain InterLock ammunition in the American Whitetail line.

The .44 (4) You—An Exploration of .44 Magnum Platforms

Andi Bogard takes a tour through .44 land—from handhelds to levers and beyond—to find the flavor that fits your focus.

First Look: Remington's 2026 Limited Edition Bullet Knife

Remington is proud to announce the availability of its 2026 Limited Edition Bullet Knife: King of the Mountain. This collector-focused release continues Remington's long-running Bullet Knife tradition and is now shipping to dealers nationwide.

New for 2026: Woox High Grade American Walnut Stocks

Woox, manufacturers of Italian-American made gunstocks, axes and knives, has introduced a new "High Grade" line of stocks.

#SundayGunday: Savage Arms Model 110 Rimfire

On this week's #SundayGunday, we're checking out the brand new Model 110 Rimfire, from Savage Arms. Based off the classic 110 action, long-loved by American hunters nationwide, the Model 110 RF takes advantage of this venerable footprint to make the gun compatible with stocks and accessories designed for the Model 110 short-action. Follow along in this exclusive video, as NRA Media's Jay Grazio takes an exclusive early look at a 110 RF prototype, and goes in-depth on the features of this new 110 lineup.

NPS Looking for Help From a Few Good Hunters

The NPS is asking for help from American hunters, in an effort to support the “protection of wetlands, native wildlife, cultural resources and sensitive habitats that are affected by invasive species such as nutria and feral hogs.”

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.