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

Lead Photo 22 Loing
Lead Photo 22 Loing

Behind the Bullet: The .22 Long

If we could rewind the clock to 1871, before the .45-70 Government and .45 Colt existed, and when cartridges themselves were just establishing a foothold in the shooting world, you’d find a pair of .22-caliber rimfire designs: the .22 Short and the .22 Long. Aptly named, these cartridges would survive well into the 20th century, ultimately being conquered by the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. But in certain situations, the .22 Long cartridge still makes good sense, and actually has a few specialized applications.

Reviewed: Sitka’s Blizzard Pro Parka

Sitka seems to keep “one upping” themselves with gear that not only keeps hunters in the field at a good comfort level, but also with gear that is well made and fits extremely well. Need a parka for the extreme cold, wet or wind? This Sitka product that could be the last parka you will need!

Suffix to Say: The Savage 99 by the Letter(s)

A savage primer to the letters that make up the models of the 99.

New Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Season in Louisiana

A special nine-day Louisiana black-bellied whistling duck season began Oct. 3 and runs through Oct. 11.

Choosing the Proper Goose Load

When gunning for geese, use these tips to select the optimal load.

First Look: Derya Arms EX1300 O/U Shotgun

Derya Arms has introduced the EX1300, a break-action over/under shotgun offered in 12-gauge, 20-gauge and .410 bore.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.