Smuggler with 22 bears in car tried to pass them off as dogs

Normally, 22 bears roaming freely in a car would be part of a circus act, but this time, it was part of a criminal one.

A Chinese smuggler was caught with the bears (all in the back seat), which he claimed were dogs when questioned by police, the Daily Mail reports.

When border patrol guards took the bears, Wu Meng told them he would sue, claiming they were rare pedigree Akita puppies — which in fact, look nothing like a bear. Unfortunately for Meng, a vet was able to confirm they were indeed bears.

Meng then claimed to be ripped off by the seller, but under pressure, admitted he was hired to smuggle the bears.

Authorities believe the animals would have been used in Chinese medicine, where bear parts are in high demand.

Via Daily Mail