In a stunning discovery, a team of researchers led by Ralf Sopoli at Kodiak Conservation Trust has announced a new species of bear has been discovered in the Smoky Mountains. This new species appears bipedal and has been dubbed real-life “Bigfoot.” 

This bear, which has been given the name Ursus bipedus, or “Bigfoot Bear,” by those closest to the project, was first spotted following a prescribed forest fire along Maple Branch on March 3rd that covered 377 acres. 

A forest ranger on the scene thought his eyes were playing tricks on him when the figure walked out of the smoke unscathed. Until recently, it has been believed that bears only stand on their hind legs when they feel threatened; but this bear has been recorded walking up to two miles on its hind legs, only dropping down to all fours when ducking under a particularly low-hanging branch. 

The following image was released to the public on Friday, March 31st, 2023. It is believed to be the same bear spotted by the ranger. 

Initially, many experts dismissed the sighting as a misidentification or a hoax. However, after several more sightings were reported in the area, researchers decided to investigate further. DNA testing and analysis have confirmed that the bear is not directly related to the Smoky Mountain native black bear or a grizzly that wandered too far south. 

Dr. Jane Smith, a leading bear expert from Pioneer Tech Institute, said, “This is an incredible discovery. The Bigfoot myth has been around for years and is nearly as old as the Appalachian Mountains themselves. It’s incredible knowing that this bipedal bear could have been the source of that myth this whole time.” 

According to multiple accounts, “The Bigfoot Bear is a large, heavily muscled bear that stands over seven feet tall when fully upright. Its fur is thick and dark, and it has a distinctive ridge of fur along its spine.”

it’s still being examined as to why the bipedal bear has only just been discovered when the Bigfoot myth has been around for years. 

Dr. Rufus Whitaker, a prominent Bigfoot expert, had this to say about the discovery: “Well, I’ll be hogtied and hornswoggled. I’ve been looking for Bigfoot all my life, and it turns out he’s just a bear. I guess I’ll have to change my job title to ‘Bearfoot’ expert now.”

Despite the humorous reaction from some, this discovery is an important breakthrough in our understanding of the animal kingdom and the diversity of life on our planet. The Bigfoot Bear is a remarkable new species that reminds us that there is still so much to learn about the natural world around us.

While the discovery of the Bigfoot Bear may be shocking, it also serves as a reminder to keep an open mind and to always be on the lookout for new and exciting discoveries in the natural world. Who knows what other surprises the Smoky Mountains may have in store for us?

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In the article, we mention the Smoky Mountain native black bear. Black bears are an iconic symbol of the Smoky Mountains National Park and have played an important role in shaping the region’s natural history. The Smoky Mountains are home to one of the largest populations of American black bears, and visitors to the park are often thrilled to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.

Black bears are critical to the park’s ecosystem. Unfortunately, human-bear conflicts often arise when people leave food and garbage out in the open, which can lead to bears becoming habituated to humans and ultimately putting them in danger. This is where Appalachian Bear Rescue comes in. By supporting their efforts, you can help protect these majestic animals and ensure their continued existence in the Smoky Mountains.