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"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 in its update. "He even made up a back story that the bear was a gift for his girlfriend."

The TSA said the bear's owner bought a ticket for the bear, but the unnamed airline and the TSA still decided it was too big to screen.

The airline offered to refund the ticket and gave the traveler the option of checking the bear as checked baggage. "The traveler opted not to check the bear and left it behind," said the TSA.