Bear That Walks Upright Like a Human Re-spotted

A black bear spotted during the summer walking on its hind legs in a northern New Jersey neighborhood was recently re-sighted probing around homes in search of food.

It’s an amusing spectacle, at first glance, because the critter looks more like a human in a bear costume. But the animal is clearly undernourished, and walking on its hind legs because of apparent injuries to its front paws.

The bear has been spotted several times in Oak Ridge, where residents have nicknamed it “Pedals,” in reference to the term bipedal, used to describe four-legged animals that use only two legs for walking.

According to Fox 5 News, locals want the bear captured and taken to a sanctuary, where it can receive care. A Facebook page has been established so fans can follow developments, and a Go Fund Me page has raised more than $13,000 toward paying for any effort to catch and care for Pedals.

The Orphaned Wildlife Center in Otisville, New York, has offered to accept Pedals, but so far the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife is choosing to let the bear remain wild.

Recorded on Sep 27, 2015.