Fact Check: Viral Picture Of Bears Laying On The Road Is AI-Generated

New Delhi Vishvas News: A picture is circulating widely on social media platforms, where a number of bears can be seen blocking a road. The post is viral with the claim that thousands of grizzly and black bears are mysteriously blocking the United States’ Yellowstone National Park’s entrances, possibly sensing a looming natural disaster, while other animals are leaving the park.

Vishvas News investigated this claim and found it to be false. The image used in the post is AI-generated

What’s Going Viral?

Facebook user ‘Vikas Garg’ (Archive Link) shared this picture on March 28, 2025, with the caption, “Bears have gathered in large numbers to block the entrances of Yellowstone National Park, preventing people from entering. This strange behavior has surprised scientists and park rangers, who are worried the bears might know something humans don’t. The bears seem organized, standing calmly together, and even holding signs, although no one can read them. Some experts think the bears might be reacting to changes in the environment, possibly sensing a natural disaster like a volcanic eruption. Others joke that the bears could be forming a union or protesting. Additionally, other animals like elk and wolves are leaving the park, which has added to the concerns. For now, officials are telling people to stay away from Yellowstone until they figure out what’s going on..”

Investigation:

To investigate the viral picture, we analysed the image closely. There were a few discrepancies. For instance, while the bear sitting in front appeared normal, the shapes of the other bears seemed distorted. These inconsistencies raised suspicions that the image may have been made using AI.  

To verify further, we decided to analyse the image using the AI image detection tools. Hive Moderation, indicated a 99% probability of the picture being AI-generated.

SightEngine also indicated a 99% probability of the image being AI-generated.

When we searched the viral image using Google Lens, we found it uploaded on a Facebook page called “Bear’s World” on February 25, 2025. Upon checking the page’s edit history, we discovered that the image was initially posted with a caption stating it was AI-generated, but the caption was later removed.

We contacted AI expert and researcher Azahar Machwe, who confirmed that these pictures were AI-created.

Finally, we scanned the profile of Facebook user Vikas Garg. The user has over 500 Facebook friends.  

Conclusion: Vishvas News found in its investigation that the viral image of bears blocking a road is AI-generated. 

Tags

• Animals of the wild
• Bears
• Yellowstone