Human-like skin teddy bear: Authorities, locals panic over eerie discovery in California; shocking twist follows

A disturbing sight in California triggered alarm among locals and led authorities to launch an investigation after a teddy bear, seemingly wrapped in human-like skin, was found abandoned on a sidewalk, according to the New York Post.

The unsettling discovery was made on Sunday at a bus stop near a gas station on Bear Valley Road. The teddy bear, which appeared to have leathery, flesh-toned material eerily resembling human skin stretched and pinned onto its surface, sparked concerns and panic among residents and as well as law enforcement.

Upon receiving information of some apparent ‘human remains’ authorities in California’s San Bernardino county rushed to the spot..

At the scene, authorities found a teddy bear that looked anything but ordinary. Instead of the usual soft fur, the toy was covered in a flesh-like material, including a human-like nose, lips, and hollow eye sockets, all seemingly stitched together with surgical precision.

The bear’s bizarre appearance prompted fears of something more sinister, but investigators now believe it may have been a twisted prank. Authorities are still examining the object and reviewing surveillance footage in the area to determine its origin.

Here’s what actually happened

The teddy bear was most likely placed on the street as part of a prank, according to Etsy seller “DarkSeedCreations,” who has claimed responsibility for the horror prop.

“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,” the user wrote on Facebook.

DarkSeedCreations, an Etsy shop rated four and a half stars, offers a range of spooky items, everyday objects modified to appear as though they’re made of human skin, including face-covered ties and a grotesque $100 "human leather" baseball cap.

In an interview with NBC News, he explained that his products are crafted from latex, and he experiments with various dyes to mimic the appearance of human skin. "We've put skin on everything from guitars and teddy bears to couches. We use latex live castings. So we take live castings of actual human models, which adds to the reality of the item," he added.

“Medium sized teddy bear covered in random sections of skin. Perfect for snuggling or hiding in someone’s bed, each bear is an original design,” read the shop's description for a teddy bear resembling the one discovered near the convenience store.

Other items in the store include eggs with fake eyeballs inside, a “fetal skeleton baroque frame,” and a toy alphabet block with a penis on top aptly titled “c–kblock,” according to the store.

"Our investigation found these dolls being sold on a website with the claim that the dolls are 'made of human skin,'" the coroner said, according to NBC News.