Social media wept over abandoned giant teddy bear at LAX, TSA claims it was a stunt

Photo: Instagram / TSA

TSA has made one giant teddy bear homeless and the internet is beyond upset. Turns out, it was a YouTube star's stunt to see if TSA would let the bear board. 

The TSA posted a photo on social media of a glum teddy bear looming over a trash can in Los Angeles International Airport's terminal. Security decided the bear was too big to board as carry-on. So they uploaded the tear-jerking picture as a way to urge travelers to ensure their carry-on items meet airline guidelines.

“Why does this gigantic teddy bear look so sad? He was abandoned by his owners at LAX after the airline and TSA determined that he was just too big to be screened as a carry-on and taken on the plane,” TSA's caption on Instagram read.

If as if that wasn't heart wrenching enough, TSA continued to say "If you see this wayward bear strolling the streets of LA, please feel free to feed him." 

 

 

This was enough to make the internet weep over the plush beige bear that wouldn't make it home for the holidays.

Don't whip out the tissues or go on bear rescue mission just yet because the whole thing was joke!

TSA updated their Instagram post, indicating the bear's owner was not a child, but a popular YouTuber.

"After watching a Youtube video posted by the traveler, we’ve learned that he’s a popular YouTuber and this was a stunt to see if he could get the giant bear on the plane,” said the TSA. “He even made up a back story that the bear was a gift for his girlfriend.”

Well, that's a relief! Consider the bear a reminder to double check that your carry-on items meet travel regulations.