India, July 14 -- A bizarre teddy bear that appeared to be made out of human skin was found on a sidewalk in California, alarming both residents and local authorities. Officials have launched an investigation, though it's now believed the disturbing find was likely part of an elaborate prank, according to a New York Post report.

The grim discovery took place around noon on Sunday in San Bernardino County, after someone reported what they believed were human remains outside a nearby convenience store on Bear Valley Road, according to local reports.

When police arrived, they initially thought they were looking at an ordinary teddy bear, except it was covered in highly unusual, leathery, human-like skin. The bear had a stitched-on nose and...