Teddy Bear Wrapped in 'Human Skin' Discovered: What We Know
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Law enforcement is investigating a teddy bear found outside a California gas station encased in what looks like human skin.
The item, described by witnesses as grotesque and alarming, was found at a bus stop near the entrance of the ARCO/AMPM station on Bear Valley Road in Victorville, and reported to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBCSD). SBCSD Public Information Officer Mara Rodriguez told the press: "A coroner investigator has taken possession of the object, and the investigation is continuing."
South Carolina-based artist Robert Kelly—who goes by the name DarkSeedCreations and sells toys wrapped in a skin-like exterior on Etsy—has claimed responsibility for the bear saying: "Yes I made the bear in the news video."
He added that he was not involved in leaving the bear at the bus stop.
SBCSD and DarkSeedCreations have been contacted via email for comment.
Police tape in Washington DC, on Monday July 7, 2025. This police tape was not at the scene of the teddy bear prank.
Police tape in Washington DC, on Monday July 7, 2025. This police tape was not at the scene of the teddy bear prank.
Aaron Schwartz/Sipa via AP Images
The Context
The bear is being investigated by a coroner, but the artist has said his bears are made from latex that looks like human skin.
It is unclear at the time of publication if this investigation is ongoing, or if there will be a separate investigation into the person who left the bear at the bus stop.
What To Know
The bear was discovered on July 13 and then reported to police, who cordoned off the area where it was found.
DarkSeedCreations wrote on Facebook to say he had sold a bear to someone in the Victorville area last week, but "did not have any knowledge of the buyers['] intentions."
His Facebook page shows a number of disturbing creations, ranging from fake skulls to large creatures covered in what appears to be fake human skin. These works also appear on his Etsy site.
Comments under his posts about the prank include "The break you are waiting for" and "At least you're gonna get more business from the article lol."
What People Are Saying
DarkSeedCreations on Facebook: "Yes I made the bear in the news video. Yes that's my etsy shop screenshotted on [the] news articles. Yes I did ship that bear to an etsy customer in Victorville CA last week. Yes you can still order one too. No I did not have any knowledge of the buyers intentions nor was I involved in a prank on the other side of the nation from me."
What Happens Next
It is unclear at this time whether the investigation into the teddy bear is ongoing. More than 20 people have this type of teddy bear from DarkSeedCreation's Etsy site in their Etsy baskets.
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