Most people are satisfied with a dog, cat, or even a hamster. This family has a pet that is slightly bigger and a lot more unconventional. This sight of a man eating breakfast with his bear may seem surreal, but for this family, it’s just everyday life.
How They Ended Up with a Pet Bear
This couple has cared for their pet bear, Stepan, since he was just a 3-month-old cub and they got him from a local zoo. Today, Stepan is 24 years old and almost 800 pounds.
Being Fully Aware That He’s a Predator at the End of the Day
Stepan’s owners state that they’re fully aware that he is a wild animal and predator at heart, so they always pay close attention to his behavior. But they underline that they give him no sedatives or medication and that the most important thing is to feed him well and keep him happy.
Stepan’s Diet
To keep Stepan well fed, they feed him roughly 55 pounds of food every day. This usually includes vegetables, fruit, fish, and porridge (and the occasional sweet snack, of course.)
Bear Joins Breakfast
Having a bear join you for breakfast is something quite out of the ordinary, but in this household, it’s the norm! The only thing his owners complain about is his table manners – of course, being a bear, he can be quite messy and break things.
Cake For Breakfast
Today’s breakfast is a bit special – they’re also feasting on a cake that the reporter brought for them. Stepan loves the cake, which doesn’t surprise his owners at all, as he apparently has a huge propensity for all things sweet.
Chunky But Fast Creatures
Did you know that bears can run up to 35 miles per hour? This speed makes them one of the fastest large predators on land.
A Bear’s Diet: More Than Just Meat
Contrary to popular belief, most bear species have omnivorous diets. They can enjoy a varied menu ranging from fish to fruit.
Hibernation Wonders
During hibernation, a bear’s heart rate drops from 40-50 beats per minute to just 8. This incredible adaptation helps them conserve energy.
Giants Among Us
The largest bear species is the polar bear, with males weighing up to 1,500 pounds and measuring up to 9 feet tall when standing.
Bear Talk: Vocal Giants
Bears have a range of vocalizations, including growls, moans, and roars. Each sound has different meanings, from warnings to expressions of contentment.
Solitary by Nature
Unlike wolves or lions, bears are generally solitary animals. They come together in numbers only for mating or in areas with abundant food sources.
Longevity in the Wild
Image via Depositphotos
Wild bears can live up to 25 years, though their life span varies significantly across species and environments.
Masters of Navigation
Bears have excellent memory and navigational skills, allowing them to return to food sources or denning sites across vast distances.
Bear Cubs: Early Climbers
Bear cubs start climbing trees within a few months of birth to escape predators and explore their environment.
Swimming Skills
All bear species are skilled swimmers. Polar bears can swim for miles without rest, using their large front paws as paddles.
Night Vision
Bears have exceptional night vision, thanks to a special layer behind their retinas that reflects light.
Bears as Gardeners
By dispersing seeds through their droppings, bears play a crucial role in forest regeneration and health.
The Smell Detectives
Image by Roussien on Depositphotos
A bear’s sense of smell is 2,100 times more sensitive than humans’, enabling them to detect food, mates, and dangers from miles away.
Temperature Tolerance
Bears are found in a variety of climates, from the icy Arctic to temperate forests and sweltering swamps.
Bear Conservation
Conservation efforts for bears range from anti-poaching measures to habitat preservation and are critical for their survival amid human expansion.
Bears in Culture
Bears hold significant roles in the mythology and folklore of various cultures, symbolizing strength, bravery, and wisdom.
Man Eating Breakfast with Bear: Conclusion
This is an amazing Goldilocks story come true. That being said, a bear is always a bear – a wild animal with predatory instincts – so don’t try this at home! Still, it’s fascinating to see how animals can adapt to their surroundings.
Thank you for reading this story about this man and bear who are eating breakfast together on the regular! If you’d care for more bear, take a look at these posts:
- Tourists Close Encounter 3 Grizzly Bears Crossing Yellowstone Road
- Sierra Madre Homeowner Comes Face-To-Face with 300-pound Bear
- Why You Should Never Approach Grizzly Bears in Yellowstone National Park
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