An Orphaned Bear Cub and a Couple are Living Togheter for 23 Years Now
Has it ever occurred to you that you can cuddle with a giant bear while weighing 400lb? What if some consider not only hugging it but also living with them and being a family? A couple living in Russia, Svetlana and Yuri Panteleenko, and their furry friend Stepan-a massive bear, are enjoying their life together for 23 years already!
The loving couple met the furry creature when he was just a 3-month-old cub. The little one was found in the woods, stabbed by some hunters. His mother was nowhere to be seen, and the man decided to take him to save him for sure death.
He took the baby to Svetlana and Yuriy, living in Moscow, and they agreed to look after the cub till he got better. Years passed Stepan lived happily with his guardians; although he is now 7-foot and over 400 pounds. But he is simply a kind soul.
«He loves people and is a sociable bear – despite what people might think, he is not aggressive at all,» Svetlana said. «We have never been bitten by him.»
Despite the fact that Stepan has spent the greatest portion of his life with humans, he still is a wild animal with instincts. That’s why the pair keeps good care of him.
Yet, he is as cute as a massive bear can be and enjoys good TV, and he even does certain home chores.
«Stepan loves to cuddle up with us on the sofa at night while we’re watching television,» Yuri said. «He’s got so many talents and loves a picnic.»
The bear keeps good track of his diet as well. His parents say that he consumes 55 pounds of food from day to day, including vegetables and fruits.
Check out a video of the happy family!
