Summertime is the perfect opportunity to get outside, whether you go for a hike in the mountains or relax on the porch. No matter where you’re getting fresh air, however, it’s important to be mindful of who you’re sharing your space with. True, you might be alone aside from some itchy mosquitoes or a nosy neighbor, but one homeowner sees someone else entirely whenever they walk outside.
Because @stevenson_t lives in the mountains, he’s used to seeing black bears in his yard and even on his porch. The bears steal his coffee, help themselves to snacks, and enjoy a safe place to nap and play, but the ‘bear whisperer’ still has more surprises up his sleeve.
His viewers couldn’t have been more shocked when he casually began petting one of the adult male bears who call his yard home. It’s like he has a dog, not a bear!
@stevenson_t I get asked a lot “ can you pet them ?” It depends on the bear 🐻 This is one of my 4 year old males that comes to visit often . He likes his ears scratched 😊…. #blackbear #bearlove #bearcubs #bear #bears #mountainlife
OMG, this is terrifying, fascinating, and adorable all at once! This mountain man clearly has a special bond with this black bear, but I’m glad to see that I wasn’t the only one who wanted to know more.
“Since you know his age, does that mean you’ve known him since he was a bear cub?” one commenter asked. That has to be the case!
Related: Black Bear Takes Relaxing Dip in Hot Tub After Walking Up to Couple’s House Like He Owns It
Sure enough, the bears’ buddy confirmed that they’re lifelong friends. He said, “he was born here on my property, and I’ve known him since he was a tiny bear cub.” No wonder they’re so comfortable with him!
This lucky man has lived in the mountains for years, which means he’s been a friend of the bears for generations. They’ve never known a life without their pal (and lots of snacks), and I’m confident they’d never want to go back. Why would you when you can get massages and peanuts instead?
Black Bears in the Wild
Even though this man has befriended the local bears, it’s important to note that this is an extremely special circumstance. Please don’t attempt to bond with wild black bears! These large animals may not be as formidable as their grizzly bear cousins, but they can still severely injure a person who is caught off guard.
With some safety, space, and mindfulness, however, anyone can observe wild animals like these stunning bears.
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