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

W H2026 08 F Black Bear D956799 Copy
W H2026 08 F Black Bear D956799 Copy

Black Bear Hunt: A Second Chance Down East

After striking out on a bait hunt for black bears in Maine, the author returns to strike paydirt with the same Ruger Super Blackhawk he used decades earlier to take his first bear.

Kent Cartridge Reintroduces Fasteel Classic Limited Edition for 2026

Kent Cartridge is bringing back one of its most requested waterfowl loads with the return of Fasteel Classic Limited Edition for 2026.

Head to Head: .17 HMR vs. .17 Hornet

Is the centerfire worthwhile? Or does rimfire take the gold? Find out in this installment of Head to Head.

Are You Ready for Dove Season?

Dove season is upon us. Are you going to be the butt of the jokes on the dove field or the one ribbing your buddies?

Range Review: The Next Generation 2-Tone Taurus Judge Revolver

The latest version of the Taurus Judge incorporates features from the Raging Hunter series with a few unique touches of its own.

Mossberg 590S Shockwave X Federal Shorty Shells: A Backpacking Combo?

This Mossberg and Federal gun and ammunition combination is about as compact as you can get but can it do the job in the great outdoors?

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.