I have, but I try to keep my distance because there's usually a momma around. Kids, don't try to pet the cute live teddy bears if you'd like to keep your face.
My cousin used to raise bears, and every so often he'd show up with a cub. They get lonely without moma bear, and they cry like a human baby. Best thing to do is play with them. Check their teeth first, though.
I think the article is just going to be that, but more critical and less "oh, isn't it funny that I took a dead bear from the side of the road and then staged it to look like a bike accident in Central Park. Ha ha ha, the folly of youth while hawking with friends before a late dinner at Peter Luger's, am I right?"