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

Ledehow Do You Compare
Ledehow Do You Compare

How do you Compare to the Average Hunter?

There is no “average” hunter, although don’t be surprised if you’re more run-of-the-mill than you think after seeing the results of the “2025 Hunting Industry Insights” report. The survey, conducted by Untamed Outdoor Agency (UOA), focused on what might be the most active demographic—sportsmen between the ages of 32 and 52.

Says You: Trail Camera Overkill?

Editor-in-Chief Scott Olmsted's monthly response column to questions posed by our members. This week, we're discussing mountain lions, poaching and trail camera use.

New for 2026: Trijicon SRO Green Dot

Trijicon has announced a 2.5 MOA, Green Dot version of the SRO reflex sight. The new model will be available in Black and Coyote Brown anodized finishes.

More Than $6.6 Million in Tribal Wildlife Grants to Advance Conservation

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is awarding more than $6.6 million to federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native tribes to benefit fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. This year’s funding will support 35 tribes for conservation projects across 15 states, benefiting a wide range of wildlife and habitat, including species of cultural or traditional importance to Indigenous communities.

Hardware Review: TriStar KR.22

TriStar is noted for shotguns, but Bryce Towsley recently received a test gun from them that’s much different. Check out his review on the TriStar KR.22.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras' Security Tree Strap

Browning Trail Cameras has released a Security Tree Strap, a durable and dependable mounting solution to keep trail cameras in place in nearly any environment.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.