Paw show: Prankster in ‘fairly realistic’ costume harangues bear and cubs

A prankster who dressed in a bear costume before running within ten feet of a wild bear and her two cubs feeding on a river has left gamekeepers bemused. The man jumped up and down and waved his arms at the creatures before running away again. He jumped in his car and drove off without removing his costume, described by one official as “fairly realistic”. His antics happened in front of an astonished crowd who had gathered at a safe distance to watch the animals trying to catch salmon at a weir used to help count the fish. It was not known what he was trying to achieve but wildlife officials in Alaska say he could be prosecuted for harassing the bears.

This is not the first time we’ve encountered a man in a bear suit

Alaska State Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters

The incident happened on Monday on the Chilkoot River, near Haines. Alaska Fish and Game technician Lou Cenicola tried to stop the man from getting near the bears but the prankster refused to identify himself, telling him: “You have the license plate number. You figure it out.” Wildlife officials have reported the incident to state troopers who are investigating. They also say that getting between a bear and her cubs is exceptionally dangerous as the mother will attack if she feels they are threatened.

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