Video: Three-legged Upright Bear And Cub

A three-legged black bear learns to survive by walking upright

This video of a three-legged mama bear walking upright with her cub has been making the Internet rounds, and with good reason. In addition to sporting several "aww-isn't-that-so-cute" Wild America moments, it also stands as a testament to the black bear's adaptability for survival.

No one seems to know how the bear lost her right paw and foreleg, but she's adjusted with aplomb, instead choosing to go bipedal. Check it out:

We don't know where this video was shot, but the way she looks marching around upright, I think I might have an idea for where the myth of Sasquatch comes from.

—Ted Alvarez

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READERS COMMENTS

Pretty amazing, what is more amazing is the fact that every time the bear shifts from tri-pedal to bi-pedal walking there is an obstruction in the view..

I never knew the bear pelvis could maintain a completely upright bear and be able to support 300+ pounds in that manner...

Posted: Apr 16, 2010 Paul

Its more likely that the bear was caught in a wolf or lynx snare. A bear snare, where its allowed, would most times cinch down just above the foot, although infection could have caused the area above the snare to become necrotic and fall off.
Having watched bears moving on their hind legs more than several dozen times, this bear is remarkably fluid in its walking motion. The typical bear gait when using only its hind legs is usually an awkward, plodding motion. This bear's skill could potentially come from practicing, although there are likely muscular and skeletal contraints to a bear walking so fluidly. Who knows except for the videographer? It won't surprise me at all to discover it is a hoax. It would not shock me to find out its true, either as they are remarkably adaptive.
Posted: Feb 25, 2010 Bear Guy