A Description of Three Hundred Animals, 1768

The BEAR-APE, a very deformed Beast of America, has his Belly hanging very low, his Head and Face like a Child’s; his Skin of an Ash-Colour, and Hair like a Bear’s; he has but three Claws upon a Foot, as long as four Fingers, whereby he climbs up the highest Trees, and for the most part lives upon the Leaves of a certain Tree common in those Parts. It will not eat the Flesh, not attempt the Life of Man; But, when tamed, is very fond of Mankind. He does not seem wet, tho’ he has been long in the rain.