This video of a Russian family that keeps a 300 lb. grizzly bear as a family pet is incredible! It sounds almost like a farce, but this gentle giant is right at home with Svetlana and Yuriy Panteleenko and is seen interacting with the family in a variety of settings.
Stepan, a brown grizzly, is 23 years old, and has been with the Panteleenkos since he was just a cub of 3 months old. He was found orphaned, and they took him and domesticated him before he had a chance to develop a feral nature. Now he appears to be as much a part of family life as any other pet would be.
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Stepan appears to have a very gentle nature as he interacts with Svetlana and Yuriy. He’s seen playing ball with them, patiently waiting his turn as the ball is passed to him. He seems to be fond of giving high fives and big hugs to his companions, and it’s no wonder, as he is clearly a valued member of this loving family. He enjoys rolling around in the grass with Yuriy, and engaging in a little bit of play roughhousing. Stepan is seen eating at the dinner table, and relaxing by the sofa with his family for a night in enjoying a little TV. He even mucks in when there’s work to be done, and is seen helping to water the family garden.
According to The Independent, Stepan’s diet consists largely of fish, vegetables and eggs, and he consumes over 50 pounds of food a day. He has a bit of sweet tooth, and a weakness for cans of sweetened condensed milk.
Check out Stepan and his human family in the video below. Share if you’re a fan of human-bear peaceful co-existence!
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