Treks miles for his missions
Bearsun aka Jesse Larios is a 33-year-old California native who created Bearsun in 2016 with the help of a friend. The costume consists of a huge football shaped head made of durable material. The head has two 10-inch ears with eyebrows, eyes and a nose, but no mouth. Larios states, “Bearsun’s actions are his words.”
The large bear has shown up on social media platforms where he has been spotted on State Road 602 south of Gallup and in and around the Chuska Mountains. He’s been been a topic of discussion in the communities surrounding Gallup the past four weeks.
He entered the Navajo Reservation just south of Tuba City Ariz. Aug. 3.
Bearsun has also trekked to the Dilkon, Indian Wells, Leupp, Cornfields and Window Rock Ariz. Bearsun is walking from Los Angeles Calif. to New York, which is approximately 2,780 miles.
He is on foot and he is on a mission. He is walking to raise awareness, support and funds for autism, breast cancer, the disabled, mental health and environmental issues.
On Aug. 8, the community of Yah-ta-hey greeted Bearsun as he arrived at 3:20 pm walking in from Window Rock, Ariz.
Approximately 400 people were in attendance to greet him at that location with signs, drawings and letters. Not only did the children have big smiles upon seeing Bearsun, so did the adults and even the elders.
A line formed for a meet and greet with Bearsun in Yah-ta-hey. A tent canopy was set up and a folding chair was provided by one of the locals. Bearsun sat down on the chair to rest his feet. Infants, children, Navajo nation royalty, and elders stood in line with their phones out ready to get pictures with Bearsun. Children brought out their drawings of Bearsun and he autographed them.
Many on lookers were also calling Bearsun by his name in Navajo, “Shash Jo’Hanaa’ei.” Navajo elder teachings are told about how the bear signifies strength.
Many cancer survivors got up close and told Bearsun stories about their fights with cancer. Bearsun sat and met with many people.
THE BEARSUN OUTFIT
Larios said this isn’t the first Bearsun outfit he has made.
“This is actually a replica of the first Bearsun costume.”
Upon close inspection of the costume, stains, wear, tear and previous repairs are visible.
Bearsun walked the majority of the Navajo reservation in moccasins that were gifted to him upon his arrival there. Prior to walking into Window Rock, Ariz. the sole of the left moccasin gave out. Which wasn’t new to Bearsun as he walked from Los Angeles to San Francisco in April. It took Bearsun two weeks to make that journey. Also in 2020 he ran a 26.2-mile marathon in the bear costume.
“My feet are fine,” Bearsun said. “Gotta take care of your feet.”
The shoes Bearsun is currently wearing are fairly new. They are turquoise with light blue, orange-and-black trim.
He switched back to wearing shoes in Window Rock N.M., as he walked the western part of the Navajo reservation in moccasins.
Bearsun walks an average of 30-50 miles a day. He is very open to changes in his travel route as he has run into road closures, muddy roads and various obstacles.
He walked out of Yah-ta-hey going east with an entourage of about 25 people and walked north on U.S. Highway 491.
To learn more about the causes Bearsun is walking for and to donate visit iambearsun.com. Follow his travels on Instagram and Facebook under the name “I am Bearsun.”
By Rippy Bryan Williams
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