‘Human Skin Teddy Bear’ Found Outside Convenience Store Turns Out to Be Latex ‘Prank’ as Police Investigate: Reports

A teddy bear made to look like it was crafted from human skin was discovered outside a store in Victorville, California, causing quite a stir. However, what seemed like a chilling and disturbing find turned out to be nothing more than a realistic prank. Reports indicate that the bear, described as a “human skin teddy bear,” was actually made of latex and is a product sold online by South Carolina artist Robert Kelly of Dark Seed Creations for $165. Kelly confirmed that he had recently shipped one of these bears to a customer in Victorville, where it was found outside the store, but he had no knowledge of the buyer’s intentions to use it in such a way.

Authorities from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene following reports of possible human remains outside the convenience store on Sunday, July 13. Despite the initial shock and investigation, it was determined that the bear was a prop and there were no actual human remains involved. The coroner’s investigator took possession of the object for further examination while the police continued their probe into the incident. The bear was positioned just outside the store’s entrance, alarming passersby and leading to a temporary cordon off the area.

Kelly, who specialises in horror special effects and haunted attractions, expressed that he was taken aback by the attention the prank had garnered. He clarified that the bear, along with other props made to resemble fake human skin, is created from latex using moulds. As news of the prank spread, Kelly’s work gained notoriety within the industry. The artist emphasised that while he did not intend for his creation to be used in such a way, the incident has brought some unexpected attention to his work and craftsmanship.

Despite the misconceptions surrounding the teddy bear, which caused a brief panic, it was confirmed to be a harmless prank. The bear being mistaken for a sinister object highlights the power of realistic props and how they can evoke strong emotional reactions from unsuspecting individuals. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before jumping to conclusions, especially in today’s age of viral content and sensationalised news stories. Kelly’s work, while intended for entertainment purposes within the industry, inadvertently made headlines due to the unsettling nature of the prank.

In light of the incident, authorities and the artist have not disclosed any further details or actions to be taken. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential impact of realistic props and the importance of responsible use and handling of such items. While the prank may have caused a momentary scare, it ultimately turned out to be a case of mistaken identity, showcasing the fine line between artistry and perception. The situation, though alarming at first, ended with no harm done, underscoring the need for clarity and context in interpreting unusual or shocking discoveries.